Trapped in Ice: A Workplace Environment Crisis in Antarctica due to the Inactions of the National Science Foundation Office of Polar Programs
plexiglass, clay, and wire sculpture in response to June 2022 report of sexual assault and harassment in Antarctica, conducted by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Office of Polar and Antarctic Programs
“72% of female respondents agreed that sexual harassment was a problem”
The NSF oversees all American operations in Antarctica. Each year, more than 3,000 scientists, contractors and military personnel are sent to the continent for programs under NSF’s jurisdiction. About one in three of them are women.
In the report's survey, 72% of female respondents agreed that sexual harassment was a problem. Just under half agreed that sexual assault was a problem. (Among male employees responding to the survey, about half and a third, respectively, agreed that harassment and assault were problems.)
Throughout the report, respondents describe a pervasive environment of harassment and assault – and a workplace that is unfriendly to those who report incidents.
This art piece is a response to the problem. I have packaged and mailed it as a gift the National Science Foundation with clear instructions, TAKE RAPID AND SWIFT ACTION to correct this crisis of workplace environment.
Outlined are six things the National Science Foundation can do, and are actions the Ice Allies (group formed from workers in Antarctica right now) have requested for themselves:
Explicitly define sexual harassment and set out individual and institutional responsibilities
Treat sexual harassment as a serious work health safety issue
Create a clear channel for reporting assaults or harassment
Regularly communicate policies for sexual assault and harassment
Provide psychological support for survivors
Show evidence of disciplinary action taken when warranted
The Ice Allies held a Day of Silence at McMurdo Station in January to raise awareness of sexual assaults on the ice
From SCIENCE Article, photo taken by Ice Allies
The response thus far from the National Science Foundation has been paltry. There are no clear, specific, measurable goals set forth…only vague words of concern.
Link to National Science Foundation Response to the Report
The National Science Foundation’s budget has gone from $350 million in 2012 to $8.8 billion and climbing in 2022. They have more than enough money and resources to combat this emergency, yet they have continued to ignore the voices of those who have been harmed. Continuing to send people to this environment to work knowing they likely to be subject to sexual assault and harassment, is negligent.
Trapped in Ice is intended to interrupt a normal workday at the NSF. It represents the people harmed by their inaction as trapped beneath the ice, crying out for help and in anguish, as the people in positions of power on the top continue their research unfazed. The United States will never become a global leader in polar research with such a deplorable workplace environment. It needs to be fixed, NOW.
“Respectful, inclusive workplace environments do not happen by accident — they are intentionally created.”
Resources:
NPR Article (sent to me by Anne Tait): Sexual harassment and assault plague U.S. research bases in Antarctica, report says
The Conversation Article: Antarctic stations are plagued by sexual harassment – it’s time for things to change
SCIENCE Article: Sexual harassment ignored by U.S. Antarctic research program, employees say
Big thank you to my awesome spouse, Zach, for helping me with this sculpture!