Current:Home > reviewsInvestigators headed to U.S. research base on Antarctica after claims of sexual violence, harassment -FundPrime
Investigators headed to U.S. research base on Antarctica after claims of sexual violence, harassment
View
Date:2025-04-19 02:50:49
The watchdog office overseeing the National Science Foundation is sending investigators to Antarctica's McMurdo Station after hearing concerns about the prevalence of sexual violence at the U.S. research base.
Meanwhile, the NSF, a federal agency, said it's furthering its own efforts to address the "pervasive problem." The agency announced Friday that it is appointing Renée Ferranti as a special assistant to the NSF director to focus on sexual assault and harassment prevention and response.
An Associated Press investigation in August uncovered a pattern of women at McMurdo Station who said their claims of harassment or assault were minimized by their employers, often leading to them or others being put in further danger.
Internal communications obtained by the AP indicated the NSF Office of Inspector General would send investigators for a site visit from Monday through Nov. 17.
"We are in the process of expanding our investigative mission to include the investigation of criminal violations that occur in Antarctica," Lisa Vonder Haar, the chief of staff for the OIG, wrote in an email to the AP confirming the visit. "Such violations include aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse, abusive sexual contact, and stalking."
Vonder Haar said its special agents have been responding remotely to complaints from workers in Antarctica since July, and it plans to have a presence on the ice during future summers.
The AP investigation detailed the lack of support many women felt from those running the Antarctic program. One woman felt compelled to carry a hammer with her at all times for protection. Another woman who reported a colleague had groped her was made to work alongside him again.
In another case, a woman who told her employer she was sexually assaulted was fired two months later. A fourth woman said that bosses at the base downgraded her allegations from rape to harassment.
A 2022 NSF report found 59% of women said they'd experienced harassment or assault while on the ice. Alcohol was a factor in some cases.
In October, the NSF decided to stop serving alcohol at McMurdo Station's bars, although workers can still buy a weekly alcohol ration from the station store. The NSF told the AP the alcohol changes were related to morale and welfare, and were not aimed at preventing sexual harassment or assault.
On Friday, NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan said he was delighted to welcome Ferranti, who had more than 25 years of experience in sexual assault prevention.
"Addressing this pervasive problem remains a top priority for me and the agency, and with Renée's expertise we will continue to adapt and further accelerate our efforts to address the evolving landscape of sexual assault prevention and response," Panchanathan said in a statement.
Ferranti said in the release she hopes "to make a meaningful impact to advance NSF's progress in addressing sexual violence."
- In:
- Assault
- Sexual Assault
- Science
- Crime
veryGood! (86)
Related
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- Lily Yohannes, 16, makes history with goal vs. South Korea in first USWNT cap
- Baby Reindeer Star Jessica Gunning Comes Out as Gay
- Biden will praise men like his uncles when he commemorates the 80th anniversary of D-Day in France
- New Mexico governor seeks funding to recycle fracking water, expand preschool, treat mental health
- Online lottery player in Illinois wins $560 million Mega Millions jackpot
- WNBA rescinds technical foul given to Angel Reese that resulted in her ejection
- How Kallie and Spencer Wright Are Coping Days After 3-Year-Old Son Levi's Death
- Bodycam footage shows high
- Ohio State football gets recruiting commitment for 2025 class from ... Bo Jackson
Ranking
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Dog left in U-Haul at least 100 degrees inside while owners went to Florida beach: See video of rescue
- Joro spiders are back in the news. Here’s what the experts really think about them
- House votes to sanction International Criminal Court over potential warrants for Israeli officials
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- Ranking Major League Baseball's eight most beautiful stadiums
- Biden will praise men like his uncles when he commemorates the 80th anniversary of D-Day in France
- Amanda Knox’s Slander Conviction Upheld by Italian Court in Meredith Kercher Murder Case
Recommendation
Man can't find second winning lottery ticket, sues over $394 million jackpot, lawsuit says
Tom Sandoval Is Headed to The Traitors: Meet the Insanely Star-Studded Season 3 Cast
Keanu Reeves' band Dogstar announces summer 2024 tour for their first album in 20 years
Woman claims to be Pennsylvania girl missing since 1985; girl's mother knows better
San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo
Flavor Flav orders entire Red Lobster menu to save 'one of America's greatest dining dynasties'
Georgia’s ruling party introduces draft legislation curtailing LGBTQ+ rights
Ikea is hiring real people to work at its virtual Roblox store