Physics departments should discuss sexual harassment -- But consider this first

TL;DR

This paper emphasizes the importance of physics departments discussing sexual harassment but highlights the need for careful preparation and reflection to ensure productive and sensitive conversations.

Contribution

It offers guidance and questions for department discussions on sexual harassment, addressing challenges and promoting constructive dialogue.

Findings

High prevalence of harassment among undergraduate women and gender minorities in physics.

Challenges in discussing harassment due to participants' personal experiences.

Recommendations for organizing sensitive and effective departmental discussions.

Abstract

In April 2019, Aycock et al. published "Sexual harassment reported by undergraduate female physicists" in Phys. Rev. PER. Their main finding is that 3/4 of undergraduate women in physics in the U.S. report experiencing sexual harassment. Gender minorities experience high rates of harassment also. Many physics departments will want to discuss these findings with the ultimate goal of making our field harassment-free. However, there are major challenges inherent in having these discussions, since many participants will have experienced harassment themselves. We suggest questions for discussion organizers to reflect on, and ideas for how departments can approach these discussions.