Something is rotten in the state of Academia.
Academic norms have not only facilitated but actively
contributed to an environment that fosters mistreatment, resulting in
widespread sexual harassment and other forms of misconduct. Esteemed professors
and researchers are often predators, prompting questions about the possibility
of a sustained #MeToo movement for academia. While no universal solution
exists, identifying common patterns at both the individual and institutional
levels can increase awareness and foster dialogue about preventing abuse in
higher education.
We would like to form a planning committee with a group of
people from various backgrounds to discuss what such a conference on sexual
abuse in academia should include. At this point, the conference is not
associated with any institution, discipline, or location. Thus, everyone with
interest is invited to reach out. Survivors of sexual harassment or abuse,
particularly in academia, are especially encouraged.
We must consider the impact of privilege, domination, and
oppression on sexual harassment and abuse in institutions. To ensure an
intersectional approach, we need a diverse group of individuals with varying
experiences and positionalities across disciplines, including those affected by
racism, sexism, transphobia, disability discrimination, and other forms of
oppression.
Some questions to consider for the conference and call for
papers include:
What does it say about academic knowledge production that
sexual abuse, grooming, and assault are consistent byproducts? How does power
operate in the relationships between professors/researchers and students? How
are agency, responsibility, epistemology, and consent affected by this power
differential?
What is the role of silence and silencing in perpetuating a
culture of sexual abuse? Why are ‘open secrets’ and ‘whisper networks’ so often
the only recourse for sexual abuse? How can and should ‘bystanders’ change the
way they respond to allegations of sexual abuse? How can we center survivors in
our discourse?
How is Title IX misused by universities as a site of
repression of allegations of abuse? How can we strengthen protections for
students through academic culture? Can we conceptualize why certain predators
persist in their predation, even after being caught (and facing few
consequences)?
Please contact MeTooAcademiaNOW@gmail.com or fill in the form below if you are
interested in meeting to discuss planning the conference.
Dr. Seo-Young Chu
Dr. Helen De Cruz
K. Eskins
Jesi Taylor
