DEI Policy Threatens Women and Minorities in STEM
Originally published by Kimmy Yam for NBC News
While President Donald Trump’s executive orders have labeled diversity, equity and inclusion programs as “discriminatory,” several women who occupy STEM-related positions in the federal government slammed his directives as policies that only seek to widen the existing gender and racial divides.
Concerns ranging from limited access to STEM careers to feeling unwelcome under the new administration, women scientists, engineers and other women federal employees told NBC News that they fear for their professional future.
“If we really have a society where there’s ‘equal’ participation and anybody can do anything, then where are the women in STEM?” said one woman who’s Hispanic and works in a science and tech-related federal organization. She requested anonymity out of fear of retaliation.