Sexual harassment and abuse is a big problem for all field-based sciences and archaeology in particular. Robert Muckle discusses the problem in a brief article in the current issue of The SAA Archaeological Record. Muckle’s article is particularly significant for two reasons. First of all, it draws attention to the problem from the international bully pulpit of the Society for American Archaeology’s magazine. Secondly, Muckle offers recommendations for specific actions we can and should take to make archaeological fieldwork a safer environment for women. Like Muckle, “I can’t imagine anyone believing that archaeology would be better with fewer women. Yet harassment and abuse of women in field locations, whether targeted at students or at those on a career track, surely drives many away.” I fully support Muckle’s recommendations and conclusions: “It is unfortunate that sexual harassment and abuse persist, in archaeology and elsewhere. But it does exist, and it should be addressed. Staying silent and doing nothing, especially for those in positions of power, is no longer acceptable.” Read Muckle’s article! Did I mention that it’s brief? And do what you can to make the entire discipline of archaeology, not just fieldwork settings, safer for women. If you’re not part of the solution, then you’re either part of the problem or you haven’t been paying attention.

Archaeology field school at the Fort Ancient Earthworks