ZAMBIA – 2014/06/15: A captivating rainbow over Victoria Falls seen from the shore of the Zambezi River at the section above the falls near Livingston in Zambia. (Photo by Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images)LightRocket via Getty Images
When I write for Forbes, I like to focus on weather, climate, and other related scientific topics. As a scientist and educator, my approach is unique and influenced by my perspectives. Recently, the Supreme Court of the United States made a ruling that struck down race-specific college admissions tools, but the U.S. military academies were not affected. While some claim that this ruling marks the end of affirmative action, others argue that it still exists in other forms related to legacy or affluence. This topic has been weighing heavily on my mind, and an unexpected view of a beautiful rainbow inspired me to share my thoughts with you.
Rainbows are universally associated with vibrant colors, and it is this uniqueness and beauty that captures our attention. Let’s delve deeper into this concept and draw parallels to the affirmative action ruling. Speaking of reflection, let’s start by exploring the science behind rainbow formation. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), as light enters a raindrop, it is refracted and some of the light is reflected by the curved surface of the raindrop. This process creates the circular reflection that we see as a rainbow. However, due to the Earth’s position, we usually only see a portion of the complete circular entity. The visibility of a rainbow also depends on the position of the sun, with lower horizons providing a better view.
Now, let’s consider the colors of the rainbow. The NWS explains that the various colors that make up white light have slightly different wavelengths. As the light ray is refracted and reflected, these colors become slightly separated from each other. It is this separation that gives us the brilliance and beauty of a rainbow. Without its signature colors, rainbows would not inspire discussions or capture our imagination.
When I entered the field of atmospheric sciences, it lacked diversity and representation, much like a monochromatic rainbow. This lack of diversity is prevalent in many fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). A study published in the International Journal of STEM Education in 2023 highlighted the need for more inclusive environments and the dismantling of institutional shortcomings. As far as I know, I am still the first African American to receive a doctorate in meteorology from Florida State University and the second African American to serve as President of the American Meteorological Society. These achievements should not be a source of pride for me but rather a reflection of the ongoing issues of inequality and discrimination.
I still vividly remember encountering biased assumptions throughout my career. People have suggested that my success was due to my race rather than my hard work and qualifications. These experiences only fuel my determination to dismiss such foolishness and use it as motivation. However, not everyone has the same resilience, which contributes to the challenge of retaining diverse talent in STEM fields.
Many institutions understand the importance of a colorful rainbow in achieving greatness. They recognize that the next breakthrough in medicine, engineering, or leadership may come from a marginalized or disadvantaged community. Additionally, they acknowledge an overlooked aspect of this narrative: most student populations in these institutions do not reflect the racial demographics of the state or country. As an alumnus of Florida State University, I know that the current Black population is 8.9% while the U.S. Census places the state’s Black population at 17.0%.
The Supreme Court ruling did exempt military academies, and Chief Justice John Roberts cited two reasons for this exemption. Firstly, the academies were not directly involved in the cases, and secondly, there were “potentially distinct interests” at play. This exemption may signal an appreciation for the value of a diverse rainbow in our military leadership.
Contrary to some narratives, the majority of colleges and universities in the U.S. did not use race as the sole factor in their admissions decisions. According to NPR, only about forty percent of institutions considered race as one of many factors, and these tended to be highly selective or expensive institutions that already provided disproportionate access to resources for their student base. Studies have shown that California’s most selective institutions have struggled to diversify their student bodies since race-based affirmative action ended in 1996.
Now, let’s return to my personal journey within this rainbow metaphor. My wife and I have always taught our children that they belong in any room and to ignore negativity fueled by the insecurities of others. In terms of my STEM-related experiences, I was encouraged to see both the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and the National Academies issue statements on the Supreme Court ruling. The AMS emphasized their commitment to equity, inclusion, and justice (EIJ) and acknowledged the importance of a diverse workforce. The National Academies took a broader view, citing a 2011 report that highlighted the benefits of policies like affirmative action for increasing participation among historically underrepresented groups. Their statement called for a fresh look at institutional processes that perpetuate negative outcomes for certain groups.
Even to this day, I reflect on instances when people questioned my presence in certain places, such as hotels or convention centers. The battle against inequality and discrimination is far from over, but I remain hopeful that through discussions, understanding, and changes in institutional practices, our rainbow can become truly inclusive and vibrant.
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Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
