Scientist or 'Whore'? Incident Symbolizes Familiar Struggle for Women of Color in Science; Chronicle of Higher Education, 10/15/13

Stacey Patton, Chronicle of Higher Education; Scientist or 'Whore'? Incident Symbolizes Familiar Struggle for Women of Color in Science: "Some scholars say Ms. Lee's treatment highlights daily battles against racism and sexism that are exacerbated by the lack of meaningful diversity in academe. If such examples are an indicator of climate, they reveal why the sciences remain disproportionately white and male. Though women's participation in doctoral programs in science has increased in the past 40 years, national data show that only small numbers of black women earn degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, the STEM fields... Among the many challenges facing black women who pursue science careers are isolation, lack of mentors, limited access to financial resources, and time-consuming duties like serving as the voice of color on countless university committees and responding to media inquiries on race and gender, assignments they take on in order to challenge negative stereotypes and to demonstrate that they are "team players."