There was an excellent session at last spring's AAM annual meeting on women in the museum workplace. While the focus was not sexual harassment, attitudes towards and about women (largely exhibited by males, and trustees in particular) were discussed. I was very disappointed to see few males in the audience. The subject could not be more important to our field. If I recall correctly, a recent AAM survey noted that at least 60% of the museum workforce is female. Certainly the majority of colleagues I have worked with over the years were women. I have not been aware of harassment but as we see, it can be happening before our very eyes but a code of silence (fear) covers it. This must change. I would also like the subject to extend to affairs on the job. These always complicate and compromise employee relationships, structures, productivity and reputations. My advice to all is: NO. Finally, though the focus on sexual harassment largely reflects that forced on women, men can be victims too. The only time I was ever harassed was by a male co-worker at a holiday party. Alcohol was involved. (Yet another subject for discussion.)
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Steven Miller
Executive Director Emeritus
Boscobel House and Gardens
Garrison NY
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-18-2017 07:26 AM
From: Anne Ackerson
Subject: Sexual Harrassment in the Museum Field
In the wake of the Weinstein horror story, this week Leadership Matters asks about sexual harassment in the museum world.
Please read and share.
Anne
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Anne W. Ackerson
Creative Leadership & Management Solutions
1914 Burdett Avenue
Troy, New York 12180
T: 518-271-2455
E:
anne@awackerson.com
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