Letters to the Editor

To the Editor:

Although I agree with U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education Diane S. Ravitch's statement that "this has been 20 years of remarkable change'' for women ("National Groups Promise Steps To Combat Inequities for Girls,'' Feb. 19, 1992), I cannot agree with her assertion that gender-equity programs are no longer needed. Empowering environments are needed for adolescent females now more than ever.

The progress that has been made toward gender equity has had one negative side effect: As women prove that they can do and have it all, they create an expectation of achievement which becomes increasingly intimidating to the next generation. My experience working at an all-girls school has shown me time and again that female students need the kind of environment we provide. We must assuage their fears about being able to live up to the new stereotype...