Running for #MeTooSTEM

We are twelve scientists working at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. We are planning to run the 5k or Half Marathon races in the St. Jude Rock ‘N’ Roll Nashville Marathon and Half Marathon on April the 27th and raise funds for the #MeTooSTEM, a grassroots movement dedicated to supporting women who have been sexually harassed in academic and scientific settings.
Contributing to #MeTooSTEM will allow them to file for 501(c)(3) non-profit status and hire legal consultants to help protect students, faculty, and staff and raise awareness.
 
58% of female faculty and staff in academia (especially in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) disciplines) experience sexual harassment. This is the highest rate of sexual harassment of any profession outside the military (68%) and outpaces that of industry and government.

The effects of sexual harassment are extremely damaging for women academics; they often drive talented researchers out of the field while also harming their careers. The polices in place are ineffective because they are set up to protect the institutions. 90% of women who report sexual misconduct experience retaliation and this explains why more than 75% of cases of sexual misconduct go unreported.

Help #metooSTEM spread the word and protect women and science!



Photo (from left to right): Evonne McArthur, Sarah Fong, Annika Faucon, Maria Niarchou, Tyne Miller-Fleming, Ky'Era Actkins, Reyna Gordon, Jessica Dennis, Allison Lake, Emily Hudson, Lea Davis, Matt Wilkins