[KS] CKS Statement on Sexual Misconduct

[Travis Workman]

Dear Korean Studies listserv,


Can you please consider posting/sending the following submission on the
Committee on Korean Studies' statement concerning sexual misconduct?


Thank you,

Travis



Please find below the Committee on Korean Studies' statement on sexual
misconduct in our field and throughout academia, which can also be found at
our website <http://www.koreanstudies.org>. We lend our support and
solidarity to victims and call on institutions to hold perpetrators
accountable.


Sincerely,

CKS Board


Statement on Sexual Misconduct and Its Negligence in Academic Institutions



In support of the people who have been subjected to sexual harassment and
assault, in Korean studies and across many disciplines, we, the Committee
on Korean Studies (CKS), condemn all forms of sexual misconduct in academia
as well as the institutional system that is tolerant of the perpetrators
and negligent of the justice and healing deserved by those who have
suffered.



Sexual misconduct is an egregious act that violates academic and human
integrity. At the same time, it is an academe-wide issue that appears in
shocking ways across disciplines. The colleges and universities that cover
up the incidents of sexual violence and delay the process of investigations
are responsible for perpetuating the damage to academic and human
integrity. We stand in solidarity with those who deserve justice and
healing from the harm caused by sexual misconduct, and we strongly oppose
the institutional system at departments, colleges, and universities that
allows sexual violence investigations to remain deferred and unresolved.



The Korean studies community has been largely silent on the issue of sexual
misconduct, despite the fact that some were aware of colleagues—students,
researchers, and faculty—who have endured devastating experiences of sexual
harassment, sexual assault, and sexual coercion. The CKS is profoundly,
regrettably sorry to have been part of the silence. As appalled as we were
by the circulating information about sexual misconduct, there was an
expectation that larger institutional entities would step up and support
those who had been harmed. This has not been the case. The current
situation cannot continue. Now is a moment for reflection, learning, and a
call to stand in solidarity with those who have endured sexual harassment
and deserve justice. And it is time to speak out against the academic
system that is lenient toward the violators.



The grave incident at Columbia University in the United States has
compelled the CKS to seriously discuss the issue of sexual misconduct in
academia. You can read about the Columbia incident here
<https://web.archive.org/web/20210924123849/https:/www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2021/09/24/julie-moons-professor-faced-no-consequences-for-her-alleged-rape-now-she-is-supporting-other-survivors-of-sexual-assault-in-their-search-for-justice/>.
This case has also prompted us to think about the operations of academic
institutions, which often ignore the welfare and labor of students and
researchers for the sake of protecting the name of the university. The
issue of sexual misconduct thus shows the detrimental combination of
individual transgressions, the culture of patriarchy and misogyny at large,
and the severe lack of institutional accountability.



The CKS calls on the Korean studies community to, first, improve our
ability to listen to individuals who have been subjected to sexual
harassment and, second, become more attentive about instances of sexual
misconduct in the academic community. What the CKS demands of colleges,
universities, research centers, and other academic institutions is that
they publicly declare their opposition to sexual misconduct and make the
process of investigation more transparent and less stressful for those
seeking legal measures, healing, and resolution following an encounter with
sexual misconduct.



As for the CKS, we will offer a safe space for people who encounter and
witness sexual harassment and sexual violence, a place of trust and
discretion. Although we do not possess any legal authority, we will listen
and assist in a timely manner. We will not abandon anyone to institutional
and legal challenges. This promise is only the beginning. The road to
justice and change will undoubtedly be difficult, but we shall fight
together. You can contact us by emailing a member of the CKS Board at
koreanstudies.org/about/people/ <http://www.koreanstudies.org/about/people/>
.



The Committee on Korean Studies

November 29, 2021

-- 
Travis Workman
Associate Professor
Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
he / him / his
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