Sexual Harassment in the Sciences

white circle overlaid on grid paper background with text reading "Sexual Harassment in the Academy: 2018 Panel Discussion Series"
Participants : 

Welcome by Chris Poulsen, Associate Dean for the Natural Sciences; Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Climate and Space Sciences, and Engineering, U-M

Panelists:

  • Elizabeth L. Hillman,* President of Mills College
  • Kathryn Clancy,* Associate Professor of Anthropology, University of Illinois
  • Timothy McKay, Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Physics, Astronomy, and Education, U-M
  • Elizabeth Cole, Interim Dean, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, and Professor of Women's Studies, Psychology, and Afroamerican & African Studies, University of Michigan

Report Overview & Panel Moderation by: 

  • Lilia Cortina,* Associate Director of ADVANCE for the College of LSA; Professor of Psychology, Women’s Studies, and Management and Organizations, U-M
  • Anna Kirkland,* Director of the Institute for Research on Women and Gender; Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Women’s Studies, U-M

*National Academies committee member and report co-author

Event Date: 
October 18, 2018
Event Time: 
4:00pm to 5:00pm
Location: 
Rackham Amphitheater
Event Accessibility : 
A ramp, leading to power doors, is located to the left of the stairs at the South (main) entrance. After entering through the power doors, go through the double doors where the East and West elevators are on the left and right sides of the lobby. The Amphitheatre is centrally located on the fourth floor. A wheelchair accessible entrance is located at the back of the Amphitheatre across the hall from the Assembly room. A gender neutral restroom is located on the third floor in the East wing of the building.
Event Tags: 
sexual harassment
faculty research
white circle overlaid on grid paper background with text reading "Sexual Harassment in the Academy: 2018 Panel Discussion Series"

This panel will include discussion of a recent report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The report identifies key findings on the causes and impacts of sexual harassment, and recommendations for institutional policies, strategies, and practices to address and prevent it.

Academic sciences, engineering, and medicine share characteristics that create conditions for harassment, but many findings of the report are not limited to STEM field settings. Other fields within academia can be similarly male-dominated, with hierarchical work and learning settings in which abusive cultures may form. Such environments can silence and limit the career opportunities for both the targets of the sexual harassment and bystanders, causing both men and women to leave their fields.

The panel will offer broad discussion of use to any member of the university community or the public interested in sexual harassment in academia, and include ample time for a Q&A with the audience. A reception will follow.

Sexual Harassment in the Academy Panel Discussion Series is presented by IRWG and the Office of Research, with co-sponsorship from: ADVANCE, The Office for Health Equity and Inclusion, the College of Literature Sciences, and the Arts, and the College of Engineering