Experiences of engineering women faculty in the era of affirmative action

The purpose of this research paper is to question a narrative that is prevalent in a world with an increasing emphasis on diversity- that women succeed easier in STEM/ Engineering careers because they are women. While extensive literature has documented that women still face significant discrimination in academic spaces, the narratives of growing commitments to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts by institutions often mislead people to believe that such efforts reflect in direct benefits that give an advantage edge to women or other minorities. This paper explores these dynamics by asking, are women faculty being told that "they have it easier because being a women"? if so, how often, and how it affects their self-confidence? We present the results of an anonymous survey conducted in two Engineering departments at university in the US east. The results reveals that women faculty are indeed told such misconception, and that they are often left doubting themselves when this happens. This extended abstract offers a literature review on the topic, followed by the results of the survey and a discussion of its results.