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Every now and again the discussion on PaleoNet drifts onto a topic that leaves some list members feeling uncomfortable. This Josh Smith String is one of those. Of course, the standard advice we give when people raise a question regarding whether a topic is appropriate for a list dedicated to discussing any all all things paleontological is to point out they can always exercise their right not the read any of the comments made about any particular topic. That pertains to this string too. However, there is another aspect to this issue we may want to consider. Resignations can be accompanied by legal actions and it may be the case that informal talk on the list about any particular individual's actions--past, present, or future--could influence the outcome of such actions should any of the parties decide to pursue matters through the courts. There are procedures in place in most universities, museums, government offices, etc. to resolve such disputes on the basis of evidence, not allegations, innuendo, and/or gossip. PaleoNet just isn't the place to discuss the particulars of any individual case. That having been said, discussions of how women in our profession are treated is perfectly pertinent for discussion on PaleoNet, at least in my opinion. All my career I've heard stories about this sort of thing. In a few cases I've had the misfortune of seeing what it does to the people involved. It's not a pretty sight. I think it bothers most of us, male as well as female, both as paleontologists and as people. It damn well should! But it's also true we really don't discuss our professional responsibilities in this area as much as we should. I'd suggest we try to confine our discussions on this topic to the need for the consciousness of everyone in the field to be raised, what special professional responsibilities we must manage (e.g., co-ed fieldwork), what 'best practice' look like in these areas, and how we can best support those who feel themselves subject to any form of intimidation and/or harassment irrespective of the the stage of their career. Norm MacLeod ___________________________________________________________________ Prof. Norman MacLeod Keeper of Palaeontology The Natural History Museum Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD (0)207 942-5204 (Office) (0)207 942-5546 (Fax) http://www.nhm.ac.uk//research-curation/staff-directory/ palaeontology/cv-5463.html (Web Page) ___________________________________________________________________
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