This underrepresentation of constructors who are not white and male is something that constructors and editors discuss often. It’s admittedly tough to understand why representation is so important if you are a member of the dominant group by default. Most important, solving puzzles made by people like themselves makes these underrepresented groups feel seen and heard. At this time, only around 15 percent of submissions to The New York Times Crossword are from nonmale constructors. No one has really concluded why this underrepresentation exists, but as a community, puzzle makers and editors have decided to do something about it.

Source: New York Times April 03, 2019 01:52 UTC