S & # 39; t tackle harassment now | Science

We have a problem in the academy. According to a broad meta-analysis cited by the US National Academies in their 2018 report Sexual Harassment of Women: Climate, Culture and Consequences in Academic Sciences, Engineering and Medicinemore than 50% of US faculty and faculty report having experienced sexual harassment, and 20-50% of female students, depending on their field and level of education.

"The problem is systemic, as are its impacts … it hinders the process and progress of science."

As troubling as it may seem, according to the report of the National Academies, the problem is particularly serious in the field of science, engineering and medicine (SEM). He notes that SEM environments have four main characteristics that contribute to the problem: they have long been dominated by men; at the organizational level, they tolerate sexual harassment behavior; their mentoring structure of a hierarchy of individuals based on expertise and professional position creates dependent relationships between trainees and faculty mentors; and they often isolate professors and trainees for extended periods of time in laboratories, field sites, clinics and hospitals.

None of this will surprise women working or studying in the field of SEM. Many have been victims of sexual harassment or know colleagues. This harassment distorts their environment and harms the communities in which they work. The problem is systemic, as well as its impacts: it affects the physical and emotional health of victims and alters their career paths and opportunities – this hinders the process and progress of science.

It is time to make a systemic change. The scientific community must act urgently to create an inclusive organizational culture and professional standards of behavior that will enable all members to reach their full potential. Recognizing this, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS, publisher of ScienceThe Council approved a new policy (www.aaas.org/FellowsRevocation) that defines sexual and gender-based harassment as a violation of professional ethics. The policy allows the revocation of elected members of the AAAS "in the event of proven scientific misconduct, serious breach of professional ethics or when the member of the AAAS no longer deserves the status of a fellow ". The policy will come into effect on October 15, 2018.

This is just one step among others that must be taken in the months and years to come. AAAS and other professional organizations can encourage change by using their networks and influence to draw attention to policies and practices that promote a culture of equality and equality. ;integrity. Many scientific societies and engineers, funding agencies and institutions are already doing important work in this area, but much remains to be done. To this end, AAAS will continue to organize discussions within the national and international scientific community to facilitate the exchange and dissemination of policies, procedures and best practices for adoption and adoption. 39, application of professional standards.

The goal of ending sexual harassment in the scientific community is only possible through sustained attention and commitment. Our community must no longer tolerate harassment in its laboratories, classrooms, clinics, hospitals and other institutions. The health, quality of life and productivity of all members of the scientific community depend on everyone's response to this problem.