Week 1 - Wenjie Xie A02

Being a first-generation college student in U.S., an international student as well, I have never thought about issues of gender and race that seriously until I read Professor Valverde’s “Fight the Tower: A Call to Action for Women of Color in Academia”. In this article, the author Kieu Linh Caroline Valverde talked about her personal experience of her tenure fight in the academe. I am so shocked by the unfair judgement that the author encountered from such an institute. I used to intern in American Psychological Association, in which high proportion employees are minority women. This reputable academic non-profit organization emphasizes diversity, racial equality and promotes the achievement of women in minority group. And this harmonious working environment almost makes me overlook the authentic mindset of the dominant culture from the majority working places. When we talk about academic pursuit of tenure between friends, we all admit that due to some political reasons, there are some systematic discrimination and disadvantage to women in color. Like in the article, even with considerable merit, Professor Valverde was still unable to be granted tenure. With comparatively same academic achievement, women in minority group face more challenge to get what they deserve. After reading this article, I think all of us need to think about this situation seriously, because a fair environment is the foundation for more productive and health society.  

Question:

There are many "so-called" political solutions within large number of organizations and institutions. But why racial discrimination still exists in major working places?

Reference:

Valverde, K., (2013). “Fight the Tower”: A Call to Action for Women in Academia, 12(2), 367-419. Retrieved September 29, 2017.

Victoria C. (2017). www.experience.com. Retrieved from https://www.experience.com/advice/professional-development/diversity-and-the-workplace/.