The Scientist has dedicated this issue to the topic of underrepresentation in science of African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and American Indians. Must we continue to remind ourselves about these perennially low numbers? What can America expect if it does not correct this exclusion of a large proportion of its citizens in all research fields?
Consider the growing numbers of Hispanic citizens in the United States, keeping in mind the other two prominent underrepresented groups, African Americans and American Indians. Today, according to U.S. Census data, one of every five of the nation's eighth-graders is Hispanic, and most have at-risk attributes (a single-parent home, low parental education, limited English proficiency, low family income, no role models because siblings are dropouts, and more than three hours each day spent alone). Only 53 percent of these Hispanic students will finish high school. According to the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, only one ...
