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How to Ask Your Institution for Help
As a researcher, you work for the advancement of human knowledge and the search for truth. When it is your work that puts you at risk for intimidation and harassment, gaining the support of your institution is critical for protecting the research, responding appropriately to the threat, and upholding professional alliances. It should be clear to the institution that your involvement in every step of the response process not only demonstrates that they have your back, but also shows their understanding that your career and reputation may be on the line.
You are not alone and your work is important. Mobilizing the support of your institution and connecting with a broader community will help you regain a sense of control and cope during times of extreme stress. As you connect with key individuals, it may help to think of yourself as an advocate for your work and steward for your profession.
Here are a few tips on asking your institution for help:
- Prepare by creating an “elevator speech” for your research, explaining its value and potential impact for our society. Be transparent about the possibilities and the limitations associated with your research and offer examples of real-life implications associated with your work.
- Learn about the landscape and become familiar with tactics of abuse and considerations for responding: our website offers information about the problem and describes tactics and responses by category.
- Enlist the support of your department chair or dean. Share your research with them and talk about the direction of your field and possibilities for future research.
- Meet with the highest level administrators at your institution that you think appropriate to discuss issues of intimidation and harassment. You can share our information for institutions, one-pager on the scope of the problem, and encourage them to download and implement pieces of our toolkit for institutions.
- Ask the administrators to prepare a “holding statement” of support that can be used if necessary, and the next time you meet, ask to review the statement and offer to help them frame it.
- Consider connecting with other individuals within the institution to educate them on the issue and encourage them to prepare for instances of harassment of researchers. Refer to our guide on creating a researcher support team, developed for institutions, to think through who else might be a strong ally at your institution. It may be worthwhile, for instance, to talk with your institution’s general counsel and communications department head.
- Consider engaging with your own legal counsel if or when the threat of intimidation or harassment occurs. Your lawyers can also advocate for you through collaborations with the institution’s general counsel.
- Stay connected and continue to voice your opinions. Remember that the perpetrators of occupational abuse are not acting in good faith and instead have a specific agenda with potentially serious consequences. When your research is under attack because of that agenda, it can feel (and does become) very personal. Insist that you be included in all decisions that affect you or your work such as the release of public statements or responses to letters of inquiry.
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