Regardless of the reputation of the institution you work for, being a research or teaching assistant still poses dangers of being sexually harassed. This is because of the power relations involved in holding a job as a subordinate of a professor or lecturer. There are lots of gray areas on the topic of sexual harassment in the workplace, so to help you steer clear of situations that could potentially lead to sexual harassment, here are a few tips:
Be conscious of both the professor’s actions and yours
A common argument that perpetrators make when faced with accusations of sexual crimes is that the woman or the complainant was allegedly “asking for it” or “showing she wanted it, too.” This part can get a bit tricky, as confirmation or rebuttal of such claims relies on subjective interpretation. Avoid making sex jokes and sharing intimate information. Not only can this be interpreted wrongly, it’s also unprofessional to do so. If your professor does something, anything, that can be remotely considered sensual or sexual and makes you uncomfortable, speak up.
Discomfort and uneasiness are not just the telling signs of sexual harassment. If your professor coerces you in any way to engage in intimate activities, that is considered sexual harassment. This can come in the form of threats on your job (“I guess I can always hire another TA if you’re not comfortable…”) or more direct blackmail. Also, sexual harassment need not involve physical acts. Verbal sexual harassment is also common in the workplace. Use of lewd and obscene language when talking or referring to you is sexual harassment. The same is true with spreading rumors of sexual nature about you to the extent that it affects your professional relationship with your boss and colleagues.
Know the specific tasks the job involves and be prepared
As with any other job, you should do research and inform yourself on the benefits and risks before applying for the post of teaching assistant. Working for a respectable and renowned institution and professor doesn’t ensure your safety from being sexually harassed. Holding a job as a teaching or research assistant entails working closely with an academic superior, and this may mean late nights grading exams, doing student evaluations, and sharing opinions – instances which may inadvertently lead to precarious and awkward situations.
Knowing in detail the tasks involved in your job will help you draw lines between professional and personal favors. This way, you can say no if your boss asks a personal favor from you that makes you uncomfortable. Universities and colleges have different academic cultures, so make sure you look into the institution’s procedures and regulations on professor-teaching assistant relations before you apply.
Photo Credit : Orin Optiglot
