Submitted by CARPE DIEM

The fact that women are capable of contributing to the nation’s scientific and engineering enterprise but are impeded in doing so because of gender and racial/ethnic bias and outmoded ‘rules’ governing academic success is deeply troubling and embarrassing.

~ Report of the Committee on Maximizing the Potential of Women in Academic Science and Engineering

Many excellent scientists and engineers are opting out of the academic career path because of the perceived hostile climate for women - in hiring, tenure, promotion, and compensation - particularly those who wish to combine family or community service with research and teaching.

Donna Shalala, President of the University of Miami

So how does it work when women control an academic department? The Women’s Studies Department at the University of Michigan lists 72 full-time faculty members, and 69 of those professors, or 96% of the department, are female.

Assistant professor Andrea Smith was recently denied tenure by the female faculty of the Women’s Studies Department, and some University of Michigan faculty and students allege that Professor Smith is a victim of discrimination.

Read the full story in the Michigan Daily here.

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.