There are expanding efforts to encourage and support the entry of more women and people of color into the engineering workforce, but a significant challenge to the recruitment and retention of diverse talent can’t be ignored. Despite progress, the engineering workplace can still be a very trying experience for women and people of color.  

This year marks the 45th anniversary of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the landmark federal law prohibiting discrimination based on sex by recipients of federal funds for educational programs or activities. The statute remains an important tool that some believe could open engineering to more women.