Survey: Female Leaders Struggle with Appearance Expectations

(From The 74) Despite ascending to senior roles in school systems and state departments, the vast majority of female leaders in schools experience bias and think often about quitting, according to a new survey by Women Leading Ed, a national nonprofit network. Over 80% of respondents feel scrutinized in attire, speech and behavior in the workplace. One leader quoted in the report said she was told to wear a skirt instead of pants to a presentation so she didn’t “come off as intimidating.” The survey underscores a glass cliff for women in leadership, said Rachel White of The Superintendent Lab.

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