Thoughts on outreaching

Clifford’s reposting of an xkcd cartoon sparked a familiar discussion on women in science, which made me think about how science is “sold” (for want of a better word) to women and minorities considering entering the sciences.

From time to time, my computer science department sends out bulk emails to it students to the effect of “how would you impecunious geeks like to earn a couple of quid for taking some schookids round campus at the next open day and telling them how much you love studying computer science here?” Since I’m very much pro-outreach, I have often considered applying for this, but haven’t actually done it. Over the last few years, I have either been busy on the open days or not well enough to commit to taking on the job. But I’ve thought about it a great deal. I’ve thought about what I would like to tell prospective compsci students, especially women and minority students.

The fact is that I don’t love studying compsci here (would I love it anywhere else?). I do find compsci really interesting, and I do love studying formal language processing. I love the university I’m at, and the city in which I live. I just don’t like the department. I don’t like a lot of my classmates. I don’t like that I come out of meetings and lectures from time to time thinking “Did the lecturer/student really just say/do that? What part of someone’s head makes them think that’s an ok thing to say/do?” So I don’t feel I can, in all honesty, tell kids how much I love studying computer science here.

I am also aware that there have been changes in the department. My experience of studying here has changed with the start of an active group for women in computing. My experience of studying here has also changed when I realised that pushing in the right ways for fairer treatment of women and minority students can sometimes result in positive departmental policy changes.

So this is what I’d like to say to girls and minority kids thinking about studying compsci here: You will be underrepresented, with all that that entails. You’ll have it harder than your classmates. You will work your arse off learning cool stuff. You will be pioneers in your field. If you wish to be, you will be instrumental in change. Are you up for it?

–IP

Responses to sexism in academia

Recently an even was held on campus for women in computing. After the event, it was discovered that some of the posters advertising the event had had sexist messages graffitied on them.

The director of teaching for that school sent out an email to all students in the school informing them of what happened and emphasising that this behaviour is not on, and that the university takes it seriously. A good response.

I can’t say I’m all that surprised at the graffiti-ing of the posters. It’s no secret to most aware people that there are individuals in that school who are less than courteous to women. I am disappointed and angry, however, at whoever graffitied the messages.

I do think though that sexist messages on posters is not an isolated event — it’s symptomatic of a misogynistic environment. This may have been a particularly obvious instance of misogynist behaviour, but misogynist sentiment gets thrown around not infrequently in conversation in the school. It just happens that sexist graffiti is more obvious.

A better response would be to tackle the misogynistic environment as well, by putting serious departmental resources into encouraging the recruitment and retention of women and minorities, and better behaviour towards women and minorities on a day-to-day level, rather than just when bad behaviour is particularly obvious and gets out of hand. Disciplinary action is easier, but it doesn’t solve the underlying problems.

–IP

scientiae-carnival

Gender Bias Elimination Act

Yo, check it out:

To authorize workshops to eliminate gender bias for women in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and for other purposes.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

September 10, 2007

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees on Science and Technology and Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

The bill has been referred to the following committees: House Education and Labor, House Science and Technology, and House Armed Services.*

Via: YoungFemaleScientist.

–IP

*Why has it gone to Armed Services?