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CHAPTER 6 • UNDERREPRESENTATION IN SCIENCE CAREERS 63

their immediate priorities. People in these

environments often do not take time to see

how it would be beneficial. For example, peer

review committees are often reminded to be

less biased with minority applications just by

the presence of a minority reviewer on the

committee. Diversity is not a program, it is a

process for growth and development of talent

for the next century. It may require in-house

awareness training seminars and/or ques-

tioning of managers’ practices. Ideally, inclu-

sivity will become an automatic process,

something that just “is.”

If an individual’s work environment is not

conducive to development of personal goals

due to negative biases, the individual has the

choice to leave, or to stay and fight. If one

leaves with no compromises due to unheard

or irreconcilable differences or biases, it may

be unfortunate for the entire community. In

addition, the institution may ultimately lose

by failing to embrace a long-term commit-

ment to listen and ponder carefully the issues

and benefits of diversity. Such issues must be

brought to a fair resolution to promote a pro-

ductive work environment.

The American Society for Cell Biology has

been assertive and productive in efforts to

educate members on the true meaning of

diversity by its strong support of the

Minorities Affairs and Women in Cell Biology

committees, and has even incorporated an

inclusive clause for minorities and women in

the ASCB Statement of Objectives. And yet

more action is needed to grow successfully

diverse pools and break glass ceilings. ■

References

1. W. Bowen and D. Bok. The Shape of the River(Princeton
   University Press, Princeton, NJ, 1998)


2. S. Malcom. Science and Diversity: A Compelling National
   Interest.Science 271:1817-1819, 1996


3. G. Stephanopoulos and E. Edley Jr. Review of Federal
   Affirmative Action Programs, Report to the President,July 19,


4. 
   


5. M. Rossiter. Women Scientists in America: Before
   Affirmative Action 1940-1972.(Johns Hopkins University
   Press, 1995)

THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR CELL BIOLOGY

Often people in majority

environments, in an effort to be

focused and decisive, do not

think about being inclusive

because it is not at the top of

their immediate priorities.

Diversity is not a program, it is

a process for growth and

development of talent for the

next century.