ASA 2 - Section A01
Reading Reflection #2
"Fight the Tower: A Call to Action for Women of Color in Academia"
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| Chart that shows the percentage of doctoral scientists and engineers employed in universities and four year colleges who are full professors, by race/ethnicity (2008). The number of Asian women (which happens to be the lowest of the 8) as well as other women is significantly lower than men, suggesting the sad reality women of color experience in academia. |
When reading this article, I was alarmed to know that Professor Valverde had to actually endure this difficult experience. I personally can't believe such hostile attitudes exist within academia. As students who pay so much money to learn, we know so little about the corrupt administration that seems to run our institution.
The article not only gives us insight on the bias and injustice existent within academia but also within society. To know that grown adults exhibit childish acts such as bullying someone who is supposed to be considered a member of the community on a professional level is alarming. While Professor Valverde expresses her triumphs and her eventual win over the tenure battle, she is focused on using her story to show that women of color must not let these premature judgments and accusations bring them down. It will be a challenging task, but I believe with the right support and positive mentality, one can succeed. Professor Valverde's students, colleagues and family were her strongest support system, which encouraged her to fight the tower that is academia. Women of color should take this example and apply the courage that Professor Valverde had shown during her tenure battle with their experience in academia in order to show that women of color will not be victims to such injustices.
Question: Why do you think women of color experience so much backlash from people within academia? Because of racism? Jealousy? How might women of color resolve this issue?
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