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Advancing Diversity in Microbiology: A 55-Year Retrospective Analysis
Ameneh Marzbanrad1, Farhad Niaghi2, Sabeen Tiwana3
1Nutrition, McGill University, Montreal, CAN.
Cureus
|February 19, 2024
Summary
Affirmative action advanced diversity in US microbiology faculty for 55 years. Ending it risks reversing progress, particularly for women and underrepresented minorities in senior roles.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Higher Education
- Sociology
Background:
- Affirmative action (AA) has historically promoted equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in U.S. education.
- The Supreme Court's decision to end AA in college admissions jeopardizes EDI progress.
- Understanding trends in microbiology faculty diversity is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess 55-year progress in gender and racial diversity within U.S. microbiology faculty.
- To analyze faculty representation in ranks, tenure, and leadership.
- To identify impacts of ending affirmative action on diversity.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal retrospective study (1967-2021).
- Utilized non-identifiable Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) data.
- Analyzed full-time microbiology faculty by academic rank, tenure, gender, and race.
Main Results:
- White faculty consistently dominated (>60%) across all ranks.
- Asian and female faculty representation decreased in senior ranks.
- Positive trends observed for women and robust growth for Asian faculty, but disparities persist for Black, Hispanic, and Native American faculty.
Conclusions:
- Despite progress, underrepresented minorities face barriers in leadership and senior positions.
- Declining female representation in higher ranks suggests potential attrition or promotion issues.
- Ending affirmative action may exacerbate diversity decline in microbiology faculty.
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