Bryan Hanson, Virginia Tech's Graduate School Ombudsperson, discusses 'Disrupting Academic Bullying' with Lee Vinsel, highlighting the need for supportive academic environments. They delve into the prevalence of bullying in academia, the role of bystander intervention, and strategies for combatting aggression. The conversation touches on the importance of addressing conflicts, fostering empathy, and creating structures to promote bravery in academic communities.
Creating affirming academic environments is crucial to addressing bullying and harassment effectively.
Leaders play a key role in challenging and disrupting academic bullying practices through empathetic listening and supportive environments.
Integrating communication training and fostering regular discussions can help reshape the academic environment to promote inclusivity and collaboration.
Deep dives
Claudia Schwartz's Testimonial: A Catalyst for Change
Following sociologist Claudia Schwartz's publication about abuse in the Harvard STS program, the speaker was inspired to share his own experiences. Encouraged by Claudia's bravery, he posted his own testimonial to support her. This act led to a flood of responses from others who shared similar experiences in academia, highlighting the prevalence of abuse and harassment across various industries.
Disrupting Academic Bullying at Virginia Tech
After encountering academic bullying, the speaker engaged with Brian Hanson, an Ombuds person at Virginia Tech, who developed a program called 'Disrupting Academic Bullying.' This initiative aims to cultivate affirming environments within academic communities and raise awareness about addressing bullying and harassment effectively. By integrating shared language and web resources, the program seeks to create supportive and healthy educational settings.
Understanding and Addressing Academic Bullying Dynamics
In discussing academic bullying, the conversation delves into the dynamics and impacts of such behavior. Acknowledging power differentials, lack of oversight, and the impact on victims, the conversation emphasizes the role of bystanders and leaders in addressing bullying. Recommendations include empathetic listening, using restorative approaches, and fostering a supportive environment to challenge and disrupt academic bullying practices.
Creating a Constructive Environment for Growth and Collaboration
Fostering an environment in higher education that encourages growth and collaboration is crucial. By focusing on shared interests and addressing behaviors that hinder communication and development, individuals can reset relational dynamics. Recognizing the unintentional effects of hostile behaviors and promoting mindful interactions can lead to a more inclusive and positive academic community.
Promoting Awareness and Addressing Academic Bullying
Addressing academic bullying requires a multi-faceted approach in higher education. Implementing certification programs, fostering regular conversations on aggression and hostility, and integrating communication training can reshape the academic environment. Recognizing the impact of subtle aggressions like microaggressions, building support structures, and promoting constructive conflict management strategies are essential in promoting a culture of inclusivity and collaboration in academia.
Peoples & Things host Lee Vinsel talks with Bryan Hanson, ombudsperson for Virginia Tech's Graduate School, about a program he developed called Disrupting Academic Bullying, which seeks to encourage all members of academic communities to support and promote affirming environments for research and learning. Lee and Bryan talk about the reality of harassment and abuse in academic workplaces and what community members and departments can do when they experience or witness bullying. They also reflect on the limits of such programs and the use of formal bureaucratic responses to solve social and moral problems, while affirming that universities could, indeed, do a great deal more today to address such issues.