Greetings allies and members. Happy New Year!
This issue of our newsletter includes a selection of the latest research, media and activities related to the issue of academic bullying and harassment. As we reflect on the past year and look forward to a new one, we at the Academic Parity Movement want to thank each and every one of you for your continued support in its many forms. While bullying and harassment continue to evolve and gain more power across the globe—e.g., Dr. David Yamada’s highlights in his piece below— we also have cause for hope, as Dr. Sofia Serra-Silva emphasizes that our everyday actions to combat bullying are “powerful, necessary, and doable”. If bullying profits from silence and darkness, let us renew our commitment in 2025 to continue in the important (and hopeful!) work of giving voice to those affected by bullying and harassment and shedding light on the darkest corners of academia.
As always, stay tuned for more information on our latest activities and thank you for your interest in and support for Academic Parity. A special thank you to those of you who have kindly sent relevant research and articles our way!
The hidden impact of bullying and harassment in biotechnology and biomedical engineering (Trends in Biotechnology, December, 2024). This commentary by Drs. Morteza Mahmoudi and Sherry E. Moss explores the detrimental impacts of bullying and harassment in the biotech and biomedical engineering industries, which include reduced employee morale, increased turnover, impaired collaboration, and hindered innovation.
“That’s just the way it is”: Bullying and harassment in STEM academia (International Journal of STEM Education, May, 2024). This qualitative study by Corbett et al explores how STEM academia faculty understand experiences of bullying and harassment and the implications of this understanding on how they act. Their analysis of interview questions demonstrated that the target and perpetrator of bullying and harassment, as well as the form of abuse, are not arbitrary. It also revealed the ways in which majority group members drew on discourses that warrant the exclusion of minority group members.
America, by choosing the bully, has entered a New Dark Age (Minding the Workplace, November 2024). In this post-election piece, Professor of Law and Director of the New Workplace Institute, David Yamada reflects on the implications of America’s decision to return Donald Trump to the White House asserting that “grasping the twisted psychological dynamics of what led us to this terrible place will require deep study and a capacity for complexity and nuance”. Yamada astutely notes that “personalities have consequences,” in this case on public policy, the rule of law, democratic governance, human dignity, and the health of the planet.
Breaking free from toxic culture in academia (The Loop, November 2024). This post by Dr. Sofia Serra-Silva surveys the problem of bullying in academia and asserts that while “a systemic overhaul is essential to uproot the deep-seated problems in our universities…individual actions are powerful, necessary, and, let’s be honest, doable. We must each, and together, reflect on our roles and our silence.”
Read the European Commission’s Directorate General for Research and Innovation’s “Zero Tolerance Code of Conduct” here.
Sign the GenderSAFE pledge for zero tolerance to gender-based violence in academia and research here.
Voices from the Community is a space where members of our community share their stories and experiences of academic bullying. Please let us know if you have an experience you would like to share by contacting our newsletter editor at avogelaar@paritymovement.org. Contributions are anonymized but not fact-checked and should be 300 words or less.
“I am a former student of a master’s program at a large public university in China. I left the country last year following bullying during my master’s final presentation in Russian linguistics and currently reside in the US. Although my thesis rated “excellent” and “good” in a Double-Blind Peer Review, the ex-dean sought revenge over a past incident where I anonymously questioned his actions involving postponing the master’s admission interview to favor another student. During my thesis presentation, the former dean openly threatened me, vowing to obstruct my graduation. Despite objections from the academy president, he insisted he had veto power and undermined the fair review process. He publicly slandered my thesis, discredited my advisor, and accused me of disrespect. His personal vendetta overshadowed the objective merit of my work. After the presentation, he forced me to remain in the room, yelled baseless accusations, and manipulated the situation to provoke me. When I dropped my phone on the desk in frustration, he exaggerated the act as an aggressive gesture. He then demanded an apology and amendments to my work. Even after I complied with his demands, the harassment continued. He pressured me to include his name in my thesis acknowledgments, claiming that I was ungrateful. He later sent relentless, accusatory messages to my advisor, ultimately insulting my character and questioning my basic qualities as a person. Ironically, my thesis was on the gender differences in the concept of narcissism in modern Russian language and cognition—a fitting subject given my harasser’s behavior. His actions exemplified abuse of power, manipulative tactics, and personal vendettas in academia. This experience exposed the darker side of academic politics, but it also solidified my resolve to move forward with integrity. It taught me the importance of standing firm, even when faced with blatant injustice, and of pursuing my goals with resilience and determination. After earning my master’s degree in linguistics, I realized pursuing a PhD no longer aligned with my goals. My passion for academia faded, and I lost hope in building a future in this field in China. Seeking a fresh start, I decided to change my career path entirely. I applied to a culinary school in Houston, moved to the U.S., and completed my studies. Today, I work as a sous chef at a winery, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision. This new journey has reignited my passion and given me a fulfilling career.”
Until the next issue, wishing you well,
Dr. Alison E. Vogelaar
Newsletter Editor