CASCA’s Sexual Harassment Survey Report and Working Group Invitation

The Canadian Anthropology Society (CASCA) ran an online survey with our members on the experience of sexual harassment in professional settings from August 1 – October 31, 2019. This was a follow-up to CASCA’s Statement on Harassment, released July 2019. We are pleased to announce that the 2019 Sexual Harassment Survey Report is now available. The report details the findings from the survey and outlines recommendations for next steps.

Overall, the survey indicated that CASCA needs to do more for sexual harassment prevention, response, and support in the professional settings of our members. Four key gaps were identified through the survey:

1. Policies, procedures, and other resources for sexual harassment prevention, response, and support at CASCA-sponsored events;

2. Sexual harassment education and training for CASCA members applicable to their university/postsecondary institution and research contexts;

3. Formal and informal supports for CASCA members surviving sexual harassment in professional settings, including graduate students, junior faculty members, and independent researchers; and

4. More effective communication that CASCA will not tolerate sexual harassment, what actionable steps CASCA will take to respond to sexual harassment, and how CASCA will support members who experience sexual harassment in professional settings.

One of the steps the Executive Committee is taking as a result of the survey is establishing a Sexual Harassment Working Group. The working group will lead the development of sexual harassment resources for CASCA and other actionable steps for sexual harassment prevention, response, and support. CASCA members interested in joining the working group are invited to contact Marieka Sax, Anglophone contact person (marieka.Sax@unbc.ca) or Marie Michèle Grenon, Francophone contact person (marie-michele.grenon.1@ulaval.ca).