But why single out a given group? Why not offer everyone an "intern buddy"? Also, why change from opt-in to opt-out?
> "Why not offer everyone an 'intern buddy'"
Female interns could have complained about sexual harassment, female interns could have had lower rates of accepting return offers, etc.
> "Also, why change from opt-in to opt-out"
The program had been going on for a while. They could have had data that suggested that female interns would be interested in such a program but had fears about bringing it to the attention of their managers or had fears of the repercussions of being one of the few who accepted.
Do you think that men may not need similar help. "intern buddy" doesn't imply a gender role, and maybe should choose to be an inclusive concept instead of exclusive.
The also could have just winged it and made the decision without backing data based on the advice of a gender studies professional.
I was the "intern buddy", and the policy was for all incoming interns regardless of their gender.
The transition from college to work life can be challenging for many people (it was for me, I wish I had an intern buddy), regardless of their gender.