Download PDF: Letter Regarding STEM Booster Act

In September 2012, Commissioners Heriot, Kirsanow, and Gaziano wrote to Senators Harkin, Enzi, and Landrieu to express their opposition to the STEM Booster Act. The commissioners expressed their concern that the STEM Booster Act would encourage colleges and universities to engage in racial and gender preferences. Scholarly research has shown that these preferences often harm the intended beneficiaries, thus resulting in fewer STEM graduates. Thus, programs like those included in the STEM Booster ACT are often counterproductive.