Ethics of Diversity

Project Overview

Ethical research and practice require that individuals in colleges, universities, and STEM settings feel safe and respected. Sexual harassment shatters the bedrock of a safe environment on which ethical institutions are built. To help address the ethical problem of sexual harassment in STEM settings, the researchers explored the institutional contexts that promote ethical STEM practice and research.

By using the analytical framework of ethical infrastructure, the researchers examined the formal systems and informal influences, as well as the culture and climate related to sexual harassment in higher education generally and STEM settings. The overall goal of the project was to examine the ethical infrastructure and efficacy of the communication, surveillance, and sanctions components of ethical infrastructure that relate to preventing and addressing sexual harassment in STEM settings. To attain this goal, the research team identified the policies, procedures, and practices that contribute to the establishment and maintenance of ethical culture and climate for the prevention and remediation of sexual harassment.

From a comprehensive literature review on sexual harassment in colleges, universities, STEM, business, and the military the researchers identified best and promising practices. Using their findings, they developed a self-assessment tool for higher education institutions to systematically examine the ethical infrastructure for preventing and dealing with sexual harassment in STEM settings.

To enhance training and communication of ethical standards related to sexual harassment, they also developed and evaluated an "Ethics of Diversity" teaching module for undergraduate and graduate students. The outcomes of the project will empower research institutions to strengthen their ethical infrastructure related to sexual harassment and improve their recruitment and retention of a diverse STEM workforce.

Related Publications:

Preventing Sexual Harassment and Misconduct in Higher Education: How Lawyers Should Assist Universities in Fortifying Ethical Infrastructure, by Susan Saab Fortney 

Eyes Wide Shut: Using Accreditation Regulation to Address the “Pass-the-Harass-the-Harasser” Problem in Higher Education, by Susan Fortney and Theresa Morris 

Colleges routinely fail to ask about new hires’ history of sexual harassment by Susan Fortney and Theresa Morris 

Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity in the Engineering Curriculum: Evaluating the Efficacy of a New Teaching Module, by Issac Sabat, Evan Nault, Susan Fortney, Martin B. Peterson, and Debjyoti Banerjee

Sponsor: National Science Foundation

The research was supported by Grant No. 1835178 awarded by the National Science Foundation. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the researchers  and do not reflect the views of the National Sciences Foundation.