CSWA Statement on Harassment

By AAS Committee for the Status of Women in Astronomy (CSWA)

CSWA has received information that multiple scientists have received abusive communications by email or online (i.e., on Twitter) for shared authorship with individuals who have received censures from our professional community. Some of the scientists who have reported receiving ill treatment are early career and some are women. Broader discussions on these kinds of interactions and related larger issues are ongoing within the AAS Leadership, including the Code of Ethics committee and Ethics Working Group, and within the larger astronomical community. Intimidation, bullying, harassment, and physical and mental threats to colleagues, no matter whether it's in person or via e-mails, calls, social media posts, or other allegations, are never okay.

The underlying principle behind the AAS Code of Ethics is “All people encountered in professional life should be treated with respect. At no time is abusive, demeaning, humiliating, or intimidating behavior acceptable.” It is the responsibility of all members of our community to read it and abide by our Code of Ethics. If you receive such treatment you may report it to the Code of Ethics Committee by submitting a complaint at https://aas.org/policies/ethics.