Last October news broke of allegations that University of California, Berkeley, astronomer Geoff Marcy had for years harassed female students. (Marcy, who denied some of the allegations, resigned.) The news reminded me of an experience I had in school. I admired an instructor and was honored when he took me out for a celebratory dinner near the end of the course. After walking me home, he put his arms around me, and alarm bells began to ring. When I rebuffed the advance, he complied, but later my grade changed from “outstanding” to “pass.” It was a painful lesson, and I never spoke about it to anyone.

Studies indicate the scientific community is more likely to reward its male members. Our sexism is holding us back