While serving as an Association president, a member asked what was I going to do? About two famous scholars? Notorious for making sexual advances on young faculty?
Often, harassers are potent people who hold structural power. This should surprise no one, as harassment is as much about asserting power as it is about sex. So this was not a simple question.
What did I do?
One had retired. I thought, "good riddance! problem solved!"
The other remained active. I arranged for a friend to explain that his flirtations were cringeworthy. The active scholar apologized, changed behavior, & complaints stopped.
Then the retired scholar resurfaced - drinking heavily at conferences.
Again, I asked his contemporary to talk to him. I was informed that would be inappropriate. My evidence was only second-hand.
Something didn't feel right.
An incident occurred. While visibly intoxicated, the retired scholar invited a younger female faculty member to his room. He was aggressive. She left the event humiliated. She later told me. My evidence was now first-hand.
I am angry at myself - for not preventing this incident. I am angry at the retired scholar's contemporaries - for still covering for him. I am angry at the professors in that room - who did nothing.
I've made inquiries - no one seems to know what to do - there were no formal charges of misconduct.
This is not a surprise. Victims of harassment rarely report it. They fear stigmatization or worse.
So what can we do? To stop harassment? Absent formal charges?
We can do a lot and you can help.
First, put harassers on notice. This post started with one scholar who changed & one who did not. Some people can, & will, change. If you are close to someone who behaves like an ass, talk to them before the next event.
Second, reconsider alcohol's role at events. Having an open bar at an event is a bad idea. You are giving maladjusted people license to behave badly. Consider the retired scholar; the story starts with him drinking.
Third, check in on people. If you suspect someone does not welcome attention, ask them. The retired scholar was told no, more than once that evening. Be the person to step up and offer support.
Fourth, demand zero tolerance. There is no place for people who persist in harassing others - be they a famous retired scholar or an unknown rookie.
Fifth, use the rules. Many groups allow anonymous reports. A letter of inquiry might spark behavior change, even in a retired scholar.
Finally, if harassed, know you are not alone. If you need someone to listen, I will & I know many others will too.
A sidebar, I recognize that some might say my calling for reconsidering alcohol's role at events as the pot calling the kettle black. I signed off on open bar events. I'll take the heat, it is worth it, if it leads to positive change.
Academic events don't have to be rife with harassment. We can put a stop to it.
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