Apartheid. USA 1988

[p. 11]

January 12, 1987:

Many black leaders agree that the racial attack in Howard Beach, Queens, has underscored the seriousness of New York City's racial problems and the need for strong actions to change the attitudes and conditions that prompt such attacks. However it is widely acknowledged that the incident reopened a schism between established black leaders and more militant blacks over specific goals and clear strategy. Some of the more militant blacks say they want to change ‘the system’, while elected black leaders talk in more pragmatic language about making the system work.^20. Public school systems, colleges and universities as well as a variety of industries throughout the country, have undertaken efforts to improve the status of minority members in technical and science disciplines, because of the severe underrepresentation of minorities in these fields. A 1986 study by the National Science Foundation titled ‘Women and Minorities in Science and Engineering’ found that blacks account only for 2.3 percent of all employed scientists and engineers, though they represent 10 percent of the overall American work force. Hispanics make up 5 percent of all employed persons but account for only 2 percent of all scientists and engineers. Blacks and Hispanics in engineering schools, for example, are said to have an attrition rate of about 65 percent compared with about 35 percent for white students. When blacks and Hispanics do obtain science degrees, they are likely to be in the social sciences and psychology.^21.

20. The New York Times, from a report by Ronald Smothers

21. The New York Times, Educational Section, by Calvin Sims