The National Academies — the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine — have released a study detailing what many of us already know; that women are being filtered out of high-level science, math and engineering jobs in the United States, and there is no good reason for it.

“Compared with men, women faculty members are generally paid less and promoted more slowly, receive fewer honors, and hold fewer leadership positions,” the Academies said in a statement. “These discrepancies do not appear to be based on productivity, the significance of their work, or any other performance measures.”

The study looked at biological differences in ability, hormonal influences, childrearing demands, and even differences in ambition and found no basis for women’s limited success. The committee found no sound evidence to support these myths and often good evidence to the contrary.

From Reuters:

“We found no significant biological differences between men and women in science, engineering and mathematics that could account for the lower representation of women in academic faculty and scientific leadership positions,” said Donna Shalala, president of the University of Miami and head of the committee that wrote the report.
…

“It is not a lack of talent but an unintended bias … that is locking women out,” Shalala, a former secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, told a briefing.

“Fundamental changes in the culture and opportunities at America’s research universities are urgently needed.”

The problem begins early. My daughers had not a single woman teacher in science or math in high school. My son has had only one. Universities, as well as high schools, need to make a serious effort to recruit and promote women in under-represented areas if we’re to make any headway on the issue. To quote the old public service announcement, a mind is a terrible thing to waste. And that’s exactly what’s happening. I’m encouraged to see the Academies make a stand on it.