SC1.10 | Creating safe spaces in academia: recognizing and responding to harassment
Creating safe spaces in academia: recognizing and responding to harassment
Convener: Fernanda DI Alzira Oliveira Matos | Co-conveners: Sara Schlagenhauff, Eduardo Queiroz Alves
Fri, 08 May, 08:30–10:15 (CEST)
 
Room -2.41/42
Fri, 08:30
Academia is well known for being a competitive and challenging environment with pressure coming from many angles. While issues of job insecurity and mental health crises are more openly discussed, perpetrators of harassment still benefit from unclear policies and a culture of silence. Groups which are underrepresented in academic institutions (i.e. women, minorities, early career researchers, and the LGBTQ+ community) are especially vulnerable to the negative impacts of harassment. Although its effects on individual well-being, career development and institutional culture can be extremely damaging, it is not always easy to recognize harassment. Beyond the explicit physical and verbal abuse, there are several more subtle forms of harassment. Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, this short course equips participants with practical tools to recognize harassment in academic settings, understand their rights, and develop strategies to respond safely and effectively. Since awareness is not only essential for those who may experience harassment, but also for those who may inadvertently cross boundaries, bystanders, and authority figures, this course is designed for everyone. Building awareness and solidarity is fundamental to foster supportive and inclusive spaces that prevent harassment and empower bystanders to act.