acm forum.

This article focuses on an article suggesting systematic discrimination against women and minorities published in February 1977 issue of the journal "Communications of the ACM." The first conclusion states that if women are to be represented in computer science graduate programs and faculties in proportion to their numbers in undergraduate school, then affirmative action programs must be undertaken. This conclusion contrasts starkly with the well-known fact, that most university departments have, under great pressure, been bending over backwards, often admitting women and minorities whose qualifications are probably lower than others. The second conclusion states that if the population of all potential employees is homogeneous in ability and qualification, then the data suggest discrimination in hiring. Moreover, the recruiting programs of so many commercial firms have been so intense that the university has slipped to among the least attractive of many alternatives.