Thread by @jamepdx

THREAD: Last fall, @thecrimson learned that three world-renowned professors in #Harvard Anthropology face accusations that they sexually harassed women, including students.

We spent eight months investigating: why this department? 1/

thecrimson.com/article/2020/5…

The accused three professors are Theodore L. Bestor, Gary Urton, and John L. Comaroff. Bestor and Urton are former department chairs; all three are major names in the anthropology field, and hold lifelong appointments to one of its most prestigious departments. 2/

Through interviews with 72 people connected to the department, I learned that that prestige — especially in tight knit field where advisors can determine career prospects through a single phone call — gives faculty in Harvard Anthro tremendous power over their students. 3/

Several women alleged in court documents and interviews with The Crimson that the professors wielded that power to sexually harass them and others over the past decade, sometimes without drawing attention to their conduct. 4/

Beyond those three professors, though, dozens of people said the department has an “old boys’ club” culture that places female students at a disadvantage. An internal report I reviewed found recent female grads are taking 1.5 years longer than men to complete their Ph.Ds. 5/

Just 3 of the department’s 21 current tenured faculty are female. Women said that left them lacking role models for success in anthro, and without the same career advancement opportunities as male students had. Some said male professors discouraged them from having children. 6/

I spent so many months investigating this so that I could examine the nuances of not just what happened, but why. It’s a long read, but a story simply about the sexual harassment allegations would have not have explained the structures that students say led to them. 7/

If you know more, or want to speak with me about what’s included — or not — in this story, please reach out. Email me at [e-mail] or send me a DM. 8/

Finally, this story would be nothing without the incredible editing and support of @mollmccaff and @saviyonah. I can’t thank them enough for all the time they’ve put into this piece.

I hope you’ll give it a read: thecrimson.com/article/2020/5…