FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Maria Ibañez
202-588-8175
Ibanez@awis.org
AWIS Statement on NSF Updates on Sexual Harassment Term and Condition for Awards
WASHINGTON DC, September 27, 2018 – Effective on October 21, 2018, the National Science Foundation (NSF) will require awardee organizations to report if an NSF-funded principal investigator or co-principal investigator has committed harassment, including sexual harassment or sexual assault. AWIS National Governing Board President Susan Windham-Bannister, PhD, issued the following statement about the new anti-sexual harassment term and condition:
“It is well-documented that sexual harassment and gender discrimination are pervasive issues in STEM fields. The National Science Foundation (NSF) is sending the message that sexual harassment must no longer be tolerated by penalizing institutional cultures that allow sexual predators to thrive. This much-needed action is one of many steps that need to be taken against these dangerous norms, which tragically abandon women, hinder their careers, and stifle the contributions that women in STEM make to innovation. We look forward to collaborating with the NSF and other government agencies to repair and replace this broken system.”
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About AWIS: Founded in 1971, AWIS has been the leading advocate for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to achieve business growth, social change, and innovation. We are dedicated to driving excellence in STEM by achieving equity and full participation of women in all disciplines and across all employment sectors. In addition to scholarships, AWIS provides career resources, professional development, as well as networking, mentoring, and volunteer opportunities to build leadership skills. To learn more, visit awis.org and @AWISNational.