AWM Petition Regarding the National Mathematics Advisory Panel
On April 18, President Bush created the National Mathematics Advisory Panel, a group designed to advise the President and the Secretary of Education on research relating to mathematical pedagogy. As vice-chair of the panel, Bush has appointed Camilla Benbow, a scientist known for her hypothesis that there is an intrinsic disparity between men and women at the highest levels of mathematical achievement. The Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) has approved a petition citing concern that Dr. Benbow’s presence “signals – in perception or reality – a bias against women and girls” and urging her removal from the panel. To find background information on Dr. Benbow’s research, criticism of her work, and the AWM’s case, visit: http://www.awm-math.org/benbow_peti