NOAA Research Efforts in Promoting Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Safety and Inclusivity in Fieldwork Settings

Sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH) in the sciences, particularly in university settings, has been well-documented. Instances of SASH and hostile work environments, which research has shown to be particularly prevalent in fieldwork, result in impacts to workforce well-being and retention, scientific productivity, scientific integrity, and organizational reputation. SASH has a greater impact on historically marginalized groups such as people of color, women, and those who are LGBTQIA+, and especially on those in more than one of these groups. In December, 2021, following the publication of the Consortium for Ocean Leadership Report of the Workshop to Promote Safety in Field Sciences, NOAA Research leadership requested that the OAR Diversity and Inclusivity Advisory Council (ODIAC) provide recommendations to OAR on the topic. In response, the ODIAC formed a working group that conducted a series of voluntary listening sessions across OAR that were attended by nearly 200 participants, and also gathered data from anonymous polls and surveys. The working group extensively analyzed peer-reviewed literature and publicly available organizational policies on SASH in the sciences. The result was a 31-page report with 17 actionable recommendations on SASH prevention, response, accountability, and evaluation. A summary of the report will be presented.