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Dear Senators Wyden and Allen:
As a group of concerned scientists, mathematicians, engineers, professors, and students in these disciplines, we are asking you both, and Congress, to embark on a broad-ranging inquiry to increase opportunities for women in the sciences, mathematics and engineering. The recent debate over women's role in math and science has helped shed light on the persistent under-representation of women in these important fields. Now, more than ever, our nation will rely upon its scientists, mathematicians, and engineers for its economic health and national security. As the Senators who chaired hearings on women in science in the Science, Technology, and Space Subcommittee of the Senate Commerce Committee, you can appreciate the negative ramifications of having one-half of our nation's population removed from the fields of math and science.
Congress must undertake efforts to increase the numbers of all women entering the fields of math, science and engineering in our country, and should examine the myriad factors that may play roles in this issue. An in-depth investigation of the problem should include the cultural factors and economic factors affecting women in these fields, possible gender discrimination in these areas, federal laws that may help address any inequities, including Title IX of the Education Act, and specific actions that may help increase opportunities for women, such as more fellowships in these disciplines, increased mentoring for women, and an increased understanding of the need for more women in these fields.
Unless we act now, on a national level, to address the lack of women in math and science, our nation runs the risk not only of losing its technological prowess, but its national security as well.
Sincerely,
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