July 11, 2018

Castro, Comstock Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing the Importance of Diversity in STEM

Resolution Highlights Importance of Underrepresented Minorities Specifically Within Physics Field

WASHINGTON–Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and First Vice Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (VA-10), a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Chairwoman of the House Science, Space, Technology Subcommittee on Research and Technology, introduced a resolution recognizing the importance of diversity in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, and specifically within physics (H.Res. 988). This resolution also expresses support for national efforts such as the American Physical Society’s (APS) Bridge Program for its work toward increasing the number of underrepresented minorities earning physics doctoral degrees.

“We’ve seen rapid growth in STEM since the mid-1990s, yet minority groups still remain underrepresented. We know that increasing diversity in these fields brings broader experiences, expertise, ideas and innovation to problem solving, research, and development and Congress must acknowledge this attainment gap and work to close it,” said Rep. Castro. “That’s why I introduced a bipartisan resolution that highlights national efforts such as the APS Bridge Program that seeks to close the gap in this field and recognize the need to ensure minority contributions to STEM. We must continue supporting initiatives like these, legislatively and in practice, that seek to reduce this disparity and make our academic discipline reflect our nation’s core values.”

“STEM fields have become increasingly more critical to the success of our nation but that success depends on getting the best possible students to succeed in these essential studies. We must encourage everyone to pursue the STEM fields but especially those who are underrepresented and have not had the opportunities afforded to so many others in America,” said Rep. Comstock. “Students must have the support and encouragement of not just their peers, but also the leaders they look to for guidance. I have worked with our community to foster that inspiration by bringing young women together with STEM experts during my Young Women Leadership Program and this resolution reinforces that important message that they too can succeed in the sciences. Finally, studies have indicated companies with more women and more diversity are more profitable, so it also helps the bottom line for everyone.”

Full text of the resolution can be found here.

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