On sexual harassment in academia (please follow the links for evidence of harassment in economics).
Too often, we hear rumors of sexual harassment in academia.
They are rumors because victims are afraid of the implications for their careers and well-being - as harassers are often people in power who chair departments, hold editorial appointments, serve as chairs or honorary chairs at conferences, or could serve as their external reviewers for tenure and promotion.
In my own discipline, I know that we have issues. I've spoken out. I've caught heat for it because I don't name names - because victims ask not to be named - because they are afraid - they are afraid they won't be believed and they are afraid they won't be able to find jobs.
However, in Economics, women have started to come forward:
The evidence is streaming through Twitter.
It's public. It takes more than bravery to lay a charge against Phil Dybvig after he won the Nobel prize this year. They are also laid against senior faculty and journal editors who shape economics as a discipline.
These charges deserve a review.
I hope the bravery of these women serves as a catalyst for change in all disciplines.
Kudos to Jennifer Doleac for leading the charge and creating a climate where people can report harassment.
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