TW: sexual harassment, abuse, coercive behaviours

The RGS-IBG has released a statement in response to the recent broadcast by Al-Jazeera (https://interactive.aljazeera.com/aje/2021/degrees-of-abuse/). You can read this statement below (original source here). The Participatory Geographies Research Group (PYGYRG) of the RGS-IBG strongly supports this statement and will be continuing discussions around how we can effect change in the culture of academic geography, to help ensure respectful, inclusive, and equitable treatment of everyone.

“Sexual harassment, abuse of position and coercive behaviours have no place in the academic community. Everyone has the right to carry out teaching and research activities in a respectful and safe environment without fear of abuse or discrimination.

The Society has codes of conduct and processes in place to deal with any issues or incidents raised by anyone involved in any of our activities. However, we fully recognise that members of the community may feel unable to come forward with complaints. The circumstances and conditions that make it difficult for people to raise a complaint need to change.

We are committed to effecting change in the culture of the academy to allow geography, geographers and geographical careers to flourish through respectful, inclusive and equitable treatment of everyone.”