Lab Chat: Treat sexual harassment like scientific misconduct, scientists say
Some 58% of women in academia report being sexually harassed, and it often leads to them leaving their fields altogether. In a new policy paper, scientists argue that sexual harassment ought to be dealt with in the same manner as scientific misconduct, including having offices dedicated to investigating accusations. I spoke with Joyce Wong, a biomedical engineer at Boston University and one of the paper’s co-authors, to learn more.
Where does the problem lie in the current system?
No one talks about [harassment] because they’re afraid of retaliation. And, often, the focus is on the accuser, because people wonder what’s going to happen to their career. And while it’s important to hear both sides, it’s also important to protect the victim’s career.
What are you proposing as a way to systematically deal with sexual harassment?
Treat sexual harassment as misconduct. Those with substantiated claims against them have to disclose it when they apply for funding. Also, develop some kind of program or mechanism to protect [the careers of] victims.
Where does the problem lie in the current system?
No one talks about [harassment] because they’re afraid of retaliation. And, often, the focus is on the accuser, because people wonder what’s going to happen to their career. And while it’s important to hear both sides, it’s also important to protect the victim’s career.
What are you proposing as a way to systematically deal with sexual harassment?
Treat sexual harassment as misconduct. Those with substantiated claims against them have to disclose it when they apply for funding. Also, develop some kind of program or mechanism to protect [the careers of] victims.
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