Investigators Sent to Antarctica’s McMurdo Station Over Concerns of Sexual Violence
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is taking action in response to concerns raised about the prevalence of sexual violence at the U.S. research base in Antarctica’s McMurdo Station. The watchdog office overseeing the NSF has decided to send investigators to the station to investigate the matter further. In addition, the NSF itself has announced measures to address this “pervasive problem.” Renée Ferranti has been appointed as a special assistant to the NSF director, focusing on sexual assault and harassment prevention and response.
The issue of sexual violence at McMurdo Station came to light following an Associated Press (AP) investigation in August. The investigation revealed that women at the station often had their claims of harassment or assault downplayed by their employers, putting them and others at risk. Internal communications obtained by the AP indicated that the NSF Office of Inspector General would send investigators to the site from Monday through November 17.
Lisa Vonder Haar, the chief of staff for the OIG, confirmed the visit and stated that the office is expanding its investigative mission to include criminal violations in Antarctica, such as aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse, abusive sexual contact, and stalking. The OIG has been responding remotely to complaints from workers in Antarctica since July and plans to have a presence on the ice during future summers.
The AP investigation shed light on the lack of support many women felt from those running the Antarctic program. Some women felt the need to carry a hammer for protection, while others reported being forced to work alongside their harassers. Disturbingly, one woman who reported being sexually assaulted was fired two months later, and another woman had her allegations downgraded from rape to harassment.
A 2022 report by the NSF found that 59% of women surveyed had experienced harassment or assault while at the research base. Alcohol was identified as a contributing factor in some cases. As a response, the NSF decided to stop serving alcohol at McMurdo Station’s bars in October, although workers can still purchase a weekly alcohol ration from the station store. The NSF clarified that these changes were made to improve morale and welfare and were not aimed solely at preventing sexual harassment or assault.
NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan expressed his satisfaction with the appointment of Renée Ferranti, who brings over 25 years of experience in sexual assault prevention. Panchanathan emphasized that addressing this issue remains a top priority for the agency, and with Ferranti’s expertise, they aim to accelerate their efforts in preventing and responding to sexual violence. Ferranti herself expressed her commitment to making a meaningful impact in advancing the NSF’s progress in addressing sexual violence.
