Experts complain about outmoded practices

Andy sends Harvard news:

When Lawrence H. Summers speculated in January 2005 that "issues of intrinsic aptitude" contributed to the lack of women in science and engineering, he added, "I would like nothing better than to be proved wrong."

Now, according to a National Academy of Sciences expert panel, Summers? wish has come true. The expert panel said in a report released yesterday that "bias and outmoded practices" -- not biological differences -- explain why women continue to be underrepresented on the hard-science faculties of universities and colleges.

No, he wasn't proved wrong. He was fired for raising the question. Now it is difficult to find academics who are not intimidated. But read this rebuttal. The expert panel consisted almost entirely of women who have benefitted from affirmative action appointments.