Rep. Gay-Dagnogo offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 62.

            A resolution to express support for increased participation of women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Whereas, Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are vital fields of increasing importance in driving the economic engine of the United States. STEM-educated graduates have and will continue to play critical roles in helping to develop clean energy technologies, to find life-saving cures for diseases, to solve security challenges, and to discover new solutions for deteriorating transportation and infrastructure; and

Whereas, While girls and boys enroll and perform at about the same level in math and science classes in primary and secondary school, gender disparities begin to emerge in higher education. According to the National Science Foundation, women received significantly fewer degrees in engineering, computer science, physical science, and math than men in 2016; and

Whereas, Women are unrepresented in the male-dominated STEM workforce. They make up half of the college-educated workforce in the United States, but only 29 percent of the science and engineering workforce; and

Whereas, The recent blockbuster movie, Hidden Figures, gives enlightened inspiration to young girls who might like to pursue a degree in the STEM fields. It tells the story of Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson and Dorothy Vaughan, who were African-American mathematicians who worked behind the scenes at NASA in the segregated West Area Computers division of Langley Research Center. Their meticulous calculations helped the United States catch up in the “space race” and send John Glenn into orbit around Earth; and.

Whereas, While girls and women are clearly as capable as boys and men of doing STEM work, they need greater understanding and appreciation of STEM careers and access to quality STEM opportunities. Girls should not be hindered, bullied, or shamed from pursuing careers in STEM fields; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we express support for increased participation of women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Governor Snyder, the Michigan Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the Michigan Association of State Universities.