Promoting Ethics in Research and the Geosciences

 

The Hetherington lab will pursue its research, education and service goals in ways that promote and meet the highest ethical standards. We are committed to transparency, constructive dialogue, collegiality, civility and excellence in all aspects of our professional actions.

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We will strive to surpass the policies of our academic and professional communities, which include:

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• Policies for the Responsible Conduct of Research Texas Tech University

• The Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct of The Geological Society of America

• Policies concerning Conduct and Publishing of the Mineralogical Society of America

• The Code of Conduct of the Geological Society

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Harassment

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At the 2018 annual meeting of the Geological Society of America in Indianapolis one of the Pardee Symposia was Women Rising: Removing Barriers and Achieving Parity in the Geosciences (P2). The session was thought-provoking, unsettling, in places, shocking, but in many places, inspiring.

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Hetherington was particularly struck by Jane Willenbring who gave a moving account of her experiences as a graduate student. It received a standing ovation and I encourage everyone to watch it here (Willenbring presentation starts at 3:13:00 in preserved livestream).

 

The topic of harassment is a difficult one to openly talk about because many people like to think that it does not affect them, or, because they believe they do not participate in the active harassment of others it is not their problem. However, the 2018 National Academies report makes clear the proportion of people in the sciences and engineering that experience harassment is horrifically high. Sexual harassment and bullying of women has come into focus in recent years, but it is important this awareness does not come at the expense of recognizing the harmful effects of harassment and bullying of other marginalized people (on the basis of race, ethnicity, faith, nationality, disability, socio-economic background and any other difference that a bully may pick on).

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My education on this can never be complete - it is a constant process of changing the system, and I take inspiration and ideas from reading a lot of personal narratives and taking time to personally reflect on what I will do better next time. Some good places to start are:

• Geological Society of America Guest Blog that regularly covers topics related to diversity, inclusivity, visibility, accessibility, and harassment. Check out some of their historical contributions too

  • Sending Out the Bat-Signal

  • Social Identities and Success

  • Overcoming Ideas about Disability in the Geosciences

  • Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

  • Don't just stand there, do something!

  • A Special Place in Hell

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What Hetherington has learned is:

• What one thinks of their own actions is irrelevant. What matters is how your actions are perceived by others, and the absence of immediate push-back, does not mean that words and actions did not take a toll in that moment.

• Old habits are hard to break. I wish we could flick-a-switch, but we can't. Some people may never change, but hopefully many will, and helping them change by constructive and positive influencing will take time, but I hope will be more effective.

• You can do something - familiarize yourself with Bystander Intervention strategies.

  • Hollaback! A global, people-powered movement to end harassment

  • The No More Foundation

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