AAAS adopts a new harassment policy for scientists

One of the nation’s most prominent scientific groups has adopted a new policy that creates a way to kick out members who have committed scientific misconduct or serious ethical breaches — including cases of sexual and gender harassment. The American Association for the Advancement of Science approved a procedure to consider claims of misconduct and revoke a scientist's membership. The move comes after a landmark report released in June found that sexual harassment takes a significant toll on women in academic science and medicine. Scientists have called on AAAS, the National Academies, and other groups to rethink their own harassment policies.

“We must do more as a scientific community to create a respectful and supportive environment for our colleagues and students,” AAAS President Margaret Hamburg said in a statement.