Effective immediately, workers at the prominent United States base in Antarctica will be prohibited from casually dropping into a bar and requesting a refreshing beer.
This decision has been made by the federal agency responsible for overseeing the research program. However, it is important to note that McMurdo Station will not be entirely devoid of alcohol, as the National Science Foundation has clarified.
Researchers and support staff will still have the option to purchase a weekly allotment of alcohol from the station store.
Nevertheless, this policy change may have significant implications, as the bars have traditionally served as a central hub for social interaction in this remote and isolated environment.
These alterations to the alcohol policy have been prompted by mounting concerns regarding the prevalence of sexual misconduct at McMurdo.
A recent investigation conducted by The Associated Press revealed a distressing pattern of women who alleged that their reports of harassment or assault were downplayed by their employers, which frequently resulted in them or others being exposed to further peril.
The issue of alcohol consumption and its implications within certain cases, as highlighted by the AP, has brought to the forefront a discussion regarding its role in various incidents.
However, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has clarified to the AP that the modifications made concerning alcohol were primarily driven by the aim of improving morale and welfare at the base, rather than specifically targeting the prevention of sexual harassment or assault.
This clarification sheds light on the fact that the changes implemented were not solely intended to address the issue of misconduct, but rather to create a more conducive and supportive environment for the individuals stationed at the base.
By prioritizing the well-being and overall satisfaction of the personnel, the NSF hopes to enhance the overall functioning and productivity of the base, ultimately leading to a more harmonious and efficient working environment.
Effective Sunday, a new set of regulations will be implemented at McMurdo’s main bars, Southern Exposure and Gallagher’s.
Workers will now only be allowed to order non-alcoholic beverages at these establishments. However, they will still have the option to bring their own alcohol to consume at the bars.
Additionally, the Coffee House, which previously served alcohol, will now be completely alcohol-free. However, it will remain open for workers to visit at any time of the day or night.
Presently, workers stationed in Antarctica are permitted to purchase a weekly alcohol ration equivalent to 18 beers, three bottles of wine, or a 750 milliliter bottle of spirits.
In an effort to combat sexual harassment and assault at the base, where the majority of workers are male, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has implemented several new measures.
These measures include enhanced training, the introduction of a new survey to collect data and monitor trends, as well as visits from experts to provide guidance and support.
Karen Marrongelle, the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) chief operating officer, has expressed a firm commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for scientific endeavors and educational pursuits.
In a statement, Marrongelle emphasized the NSF’s unwavering dedication to addressing the concerns of the Antarctic community, stating that their efforts will not cease until every member feels both safe and supported.
The NSF’s commitment to this cause is evident in their actions, as they published a report in 2022 revealing that 59% of women had encountered instances of harassment or assault while on the ice, with 72% of women acknowledging the prevalence of such behavior in Antarctica.
To combat these issues, the NSF established an office specifically designed to handle complaints, provided confidential victim advocacy services, and implemented a 24-hour helpline.
Despite these efforts, an investigation conducted by the Associated Press (AP) uncovered a recurring pattern of problems at McMurdo, the largest research station in Antarctica.
Shockingly, one woman who reported being groped by a colleague was forced to continue working alongside him, while another woman who bravely disclosed her sexual assault to her employer was terminated just two months later.
Furthermore, a third woman claimed that her allegations of rape were downgraded to mere harassment by her superiors at the base.
These distressing revelations highlight the urgent need for comprehensive reform and a steadfast commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment in Antarctica.
Following an in-depth investigation conducted by the AP, the National Science Foundation (NSF) felt compelled to address the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) workers.
In an email obtained by the AP, the NSF acknowledged the difficulty of hearing such accounts and expressed their shared distress.
The organization made it clear that these experiences were not to be tolerated within the USAP or anywhere else in the world.
To combat this issue, the NSF outlined a series of new anti-harassment measures they planned to implement and provided resources for support.
However, Jennifer Sorensen, a survivor of rape at McMurdo in 2015, voiced her skepticism towards the NSF’s previous attempts to attribute the high rates of sexual misconduct to alcohol.
She firmly believed that the rationing or denial of alcohol sales would be ineffective in addressing the underlying problem.
In light of the ongoing issue of sexual misconduct, it is imperative that the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the lead contractor, Leidos, adopt a more proactive approach.
A crucial step towards addressing this problem is to believe and support survivors, ensuring they are shielded from any form of retaliation.
Additionally, it is vital to cease the rehiring of perpetrators, as this only perpetuates a cycle of abuse. While it is true that alcohol can cloud the boundaries of consent, it is essential to recognize that sexual assault can occur even in the absence of alcohol consumption, as exemplified by personal experiences like that of Sorensen.
Thus, merely focusing on alcohol consumption will not entirely eradicate the issue. Sorensen suggests that the NSF should consider providing alternative diversions, such as reinstating the bowling alley, ceramic studio, and greenhouse that were once prominent features at McMurdo but have since vanished due to budget constraints.
By offering these alternative activities, the NSF can potentially reduce drinking and create a safer environment for all individuals.
It is encouraging to see the NSF taking steps to improve the culture at the base, as acknowledged by Britt Barquist, who experienced groping at McMurdo in 2017.
However, there remains a concern that incidents continue to be swept under the rug, especially when it jeopardizes the primary objectives of a contracting company.
It is crucial for the NSF and Leidos to prioritize the well-being and safety of individuals over any potential reputational risks.
Only through a comprehensive and unwavering commitment to addressing sexual misconduct can lasting change be achieved.
In the case of Barquist, the incident occurred within the confines of the workplace, during regular work hours, and did not involve alcohol.
Furthermore, the incident was reported through official channels and was corroborated. However, despite the gravity of the situation, Barquist was informed by the company’s HR department that he would have to continue working with the perpetrator.
This decision was made on the grounds that the perpetrator’s role was deemed crucial to the mission, and there were no viable replacements available.
Barquist argues that the newly implemented policies by the NSF would not prevent a similar situation from occurring in the future.
Despite the AP’s attempts to gain more information and clarification on Barquist’s case and other instances mentioned in their report, both the NSF and Leidos have chosen not to provide any answers.
Alongside these developments, the NSF has announced another initiative aimed at improving morale among its workers.
This initiative involves expanding internet access through the satellite network Starlink, which is operated by SpaceX, the company founded by Elon Musk.
The NSF had previously hinted at changes to its alcohol policies in a blog post, and subsequently informed its employees about the new anti-harassment measures in mid-August.
However, when questioned by the AP about any planned changes to address sexual harassment and assault, the NSF did not mention any modifications to its alcohol policies.
In a recent statement, the National Science Foundation (NSF) clarified their position on a program initiative, stating that it was not mentioned in their previous response due to its focus on morale and welfare, rather than sexual assault/harassment prevention.
The NSF’s decision to address this matter stems from the need to provide a comprehensive understanding of their actions and priorities.
By explicitly highlighting the distinction between these two areas, the NSF aims to ensure transparency and clarity in their communication.
This statement exemplifies the organization’s commitment to addressing various aspects of their operations and initiatives, while also emphasizing the importance of sexual assault/harassment prevention as a separate and significant concern.