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SAFE EVOLUTION
The Council of Evolution Societies (ASN, SSB, SSE) are committed to promoting a safe, inclusive, and professional work environment at the Joint Evolution Meetings and ensuring that all activities are free from discrimination, bias or harassment of any type. The SAFE EVOLUTION program was designed to establish standards of appropriate behaviors, to address work-climate related concerns, and to offer support to members who may feel harassed, threatened or unsafe in any way when participating in Joint Meeting programs. If we all engage, we can make the Joint Evolution Meetings a professional and meaningful experience for everyone. SAFE EVOLUTION makes us part of the solution to a persistent problem in academia. |
The field of evolutionary biology is at its best when all of its members are supported by positive, safe, and healthy work environments. To reinforce a welcoming environment for all, the SSE, SSB, and ASN have appointed a Code of Conduct Committee.
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This committee’s charge is to develop and oversee implementation of policies and response procedures on professional behavior and integrity (links below). This effort includes a clear confidential channel for reporting inappropriate behavior, society efforts to communicate the impact of inappropriate behavior, and a call to members of all three societies to adopt and disseminate the message that our Joint Meetings are a safe environment for engaging in scientific activities.
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TYPES OF INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIORS
Many different types of inappropriate behaviors, whether written, verbal, or physical, can affect the personal and professional well-being of scientists in the workplace, especially when people misuse their positions of power and influence. Research confirms that these behaviors have highest impact on women and underrepresented demographic groups. In fact, harassment and other inappropriate behaviors in academic environments with low diversity are especially damaging, because the lack of established support networks can lead to feelings of vulnerability and professional isolation. |
Safe Evolution means that every Report of Inappropriate Behavior is Taken Very Seriously
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HOW WE CAN ALL CONTRIBUTE TO A SAFER EVOLUTION MEETING
Making society-sponsored meetings safe and welcoming to everyone is an important goal. Improving the climate within our societies and at our meetings cannot be imposed; it is an endeavor that needs the engagement and participation of all our members. As we prepare to adopt new meeting policies and procedures at the Evolution Meetings in Providence, RI, here are some concrete ways that everyone can be engaged and increase awareness of the Safe Evolution goals:
Making society-sponsored meetings safe and welcoming to everyone is an important goal. Improving the climate within our societies and at our meetings cannot be imposed; it is an endeavor that needs the engagement and participation of all our members. As we prepare to adopt new meeting policies and procedures at the Evolution Meetings in Providence, RI, here are some concrete ways that everyone can be engaged and increase awareness of the Safe Evolution goals:
- Know your Policies. By adopting the Conference Policies, including the meeting Code of Conduct and Response Procedures, the three societies have established clear and specific expectations and norms to promote the best meeting climate possible. All three societies are committed to their implementation. All members and attendees are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the policies. The best way to promote a positive change is to be able to identify inappropriate behaviors and know how to respond. Bring these policies to the attention of your colleagues and lab groups.
- What constitutes inappropriate behavior? As norms and expectations change, we expect changes in what IS considered acceptable behavior. Issues of behavior and bias are often difficult to talk about, but the most productive discussions happen when we share common goals. Have an open discussion with your lab group members, your fellow faculty, and your fellow students about our ultimate goals as a society and why safe and inclusive society meetings are important. Be explicit in your discussions about what is or is not appropriate behavior and be open to discussions on difference in opinions.
- Let’s Make This Our Responsibility. Be an active participant in Safe Evolution! Think about ways you can send the message that the best environment for doing science is one that is fair, equitable and welcoming to all participants. There are many ways to promote discussions, engage in diversity-focused activities, and be proactive—make a positive change for our scientists and our science.
EVO ALLIES
Beginning at Evolution 2019 in Providence, our meetings will include a group of vetted and trained attendees who will serve the community as Evo Allies.
The role of an Evo Ally is to serve as a visible colleague who is available to offer support to Evolution Meeting participants who are targets of, or who witness, inappropriate behavior. The societies will sponsor training by our Safe Evolution officer (Dr. Sherry Marts) prior to the start of the meeting, and they will be designated with a special badge.
Evo Allies are there to listen, to help targets or witnesses deal with what has happened and to inform them of their options. The role of Evo Allies is to support individuals who have experienced or witnessed inappropriate behavior in making their own decision about whether or not to report it. Evo Allies do not participate in any aspect of investigating reports or sanctioning. Evo Allies also commit to creating safe spaces at the meeting by serving as active bystanders.
We currently have 26 Evo Allies from ASN, SSB and SSE who are in the process of vetting and training.
The role of an Evo Ally is to serve as a visible colleague who is available to offer support to Evolution Meeting participants who are targets of, or who witness, inappropriate behavior. The societies will sponsor training by our Safe Evolution officer (Dr. Sherry Marts) prior to the start of the meeting, and they will be designated with a special badge.
Evo Allies are there to listen, to help targets or witnesses deal with what has happened and to inform them of their options. The role of Evo Allies is to support individuals who have experienced or witnessed inappropriate behavior in making their own decision about whether or not to report it. Evo Allies do not participate in any aspect of investigating reports or sanctioning. Evo Allies also commit to creating safe spaces at the meeting by serving as active bystanders.
We currently have 26 Evo Allies from ASN, SSB and SSE who are in the process of vetting and training.
REPORTING AN INCIDENT OF HARASSMENT OR INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR
For a safer Evolution meeting we all need to speak OUT against harassment and other Inappropriate behaviors.
If you need to report an incident of any unprofessional behavior by society members or other individuals affiliated with Evolution-sponsored activities (conference, workshop, publications, etc.), please contact directly our Evolution Safety Officer:
Sherry Marts, Ph.D.
Founder & CEO of S*Marts Consulting, LLC
sherry@smartsconsulting.com; Phone: (202) 670-7746
Dr. Marts is an independent professional consultant, hired by the Evolution societies to help us create a meeting environment that is inclusive, safe, and welcoming. Dr. Marts is not an evolutionary biologist and does not have any direct personal connection with members of the societies outside her role as our safety officer. She specializes in strategies to stop harassment and bullying, and has significant experience working with scientific societies to make their meetings safer.
As a safety officer, Dr. Marts will investigate reports of incidents that occur at an Evolution meeting, gather relevant information from all parties, consult confidentially with tri-society executive officers to determine appropriate sanctions and enforcement procedures, maintain records of all reported incidents, and maintain confidentiality of all parties at all times.
If you need to report an incident of any unprofessional behavior by society members or other individuals affiliated with Evolution-sponsored activities (conference, workshop, publications, etc.), please contact directly our Evolution Safety Officer:
Sherry Marts, Ph.D.
Founder & CEO of S*Marts Consulting, LLC
sherry@smartsconsulting.com; Phone: (202) 670-7746
Dr. Marts is an independent professional consultant, hired by the Evolution societies to help us create a meeting environment that is inclusive, safe, and welcoming. Dr. Marts is not an evolutionary biologist and does not have any direct personal connection with members of the societies outside her role as our safety officer. She specializes in strategies to stop harassment and bullying, and has significant experience working with scientific societies to make their meetings safer.
As a safety officer, Dr. Marts will investigate reports of incidents that occur at an Evolution meeting, gather relevant information from all parties, consult confidentially with tri-society executive officers to determine appropriate sanctions and enforcement procedures, maintain records of all reported incidents, and maintain confidentiality of all parties at all times.
TRANSPARENCY REPORT
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The societies sponsoring the 2017 Evolution meeting in Portland and the 2018 Evolution Congress in Montpellier required all conference participants to agree to a meeting Code of Conduct. This transparency report serves to inform attendees and society members about reported incidents, general outcomes of those reports, and steps taken by the societies to further prevent inappropriate behavior at our meetings.
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DATA ON UNWELCOME BEHAVIORS AT THE EVOLUTION MEETINGS
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At Evolution 2019, the Code of Conduct Committee presented a poster summarizing data from IRB-approved survey of members and recent meeting attendees. We asked about their experiences with unwelcome behavior in general and at the Evolution meeting. These data make clear that efforts to reduce inappropriate behavior are needed in our community and at our meeting.
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MORE INFORMATION/RESOURCES ABOUT INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIORS IN STEM
- The ADVANCEGeo project has a new comprehensive online resource center for changing climate in STEM workplaces.
- The National Science Foundation recently issued an announcement that they will not tolerate sexual harassment, or any kind of harassment, within the agency, at grantee organizations, field sites, or anywhere NSF-funded science and education are conducted, and they are bolstering their commitment with a number of steps including new policies and reporting procedures.
- The American Geophysical Union has been a leader in efforts to curb inappropriate behaviors in STEM, and are establishing a central clearing house for related resources.
- The House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology conducted a review of misconduct in science.
HOTLINES AND REPORTING RESOURCES
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National Street Harassment Hotline
Operated by RAINN (see below) with Defend Yourself and Stop Street Harassment. Toll free: 855-897-5910 Live Chat available via the RAINN website. |
Crisis Text Line
Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, providing access to free, 24/7 support and information via the medium people already use and trust: text. Here’s how it works:
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Directory of State Sexual Assault Hotlines
An A-Z directory of crisis centers and hotlines in the US. Local hotline volunteers will have information about other local resources, including the best way to approach law enforcement and hospitals to get a sympathetic reception. |
These hotlines are resources available within the USA. Members with suggestions for hotlines and resources available internationally, please contact one of the members of the Code of Conduct Committee with suggestions.
