{"id":27776,"date":"2022-01-06T14:42:06","date_gmt":"2022-01-06T14:42:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cmshub.wpengine.com\/?p=365809"},"modified":"2024-11-03T15:14:05","modified_gmt":"2024-11-03T15:14:05","slug":"the-national-parks-service-still-hasnt-fixed-its-sexual-harassment-problem","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ogkologos.com\/en\/the-national-parks-service-still-hasnt-fixed-its-sexual-harassment-problem\/","title":{"rendered":"The National Parks Service Still Hasn\u2019t Fixed It\u2019s Sexual Harassment Problem"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/span><\/p>\n

Since its inception in 1916, the National Parks Service (NPS) has grown into a network of beautiful locations visited by about 275 million people each year.<\/span><\/p>\n

In its wake, the NPS has left behind countless female victims.<\/span><\/p>\n

Female employees of the NPS have for years entered work environments where the \u201cgood ol\u2019 boy\u201d mentality remains prevalent. Not only has this left women vulnerable to sexual harassment; it has left women traumatized, and in fear of losing their job, The Atlantic<\/a> reports.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Close<\/span>
Close to 40% of NPS staff once reported experiencing harassment or assault.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Some women \u2014 who spent years of their lives dreaming, and working toward, a job in the NPS \u2014 are left fearing what they once loved most: the outdoors.<\/span><\/p>\n

At Yosemite National Park alone, 18 employees have come forward with allegations of harassment or misconduct \u201cso severe that a recent report labeled working conditions at the park \u2018toxic,’\u201d according to an Associated Press<\/a> article.<\/span><\/p>\n

The problem extends much further than just Yosemite. It extends into many of the agency\u2019s hundreds of parks.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"The<\/span>
The National Parks Service delayed releasing the results of one report on harassment for years.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A technical report<\/a> issued by the NPS found that a full 37% of of employees experienced some form of
harassment and\/or assault related behaviors in the 12 months before being surveyed for the report.<\/span><\/p>\n

For some employees, these experiences had a negative impact on their interpersonal relationships with coworkers, supervisors, or managers; resulted in arguments or damaged interpersonal relations at work; and\/or damaged other personal relationships. These experiences also had a negative impact on the physical or emotional well-being of some employees, leading them to call in sick or take leave, seek counseling, or medical attention.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Voices Tour Report<\/a>, which was compiled in 2018, describes how women, LGBTQ+ and Black, Indigenous and people of color are treated in the workplace and left unprotected by agency leadership, High Country News<\/a> reports. Testimonials in the report from hundreds of employees detailed fears of workplace harassment and retaliation; a \u201cgood old boy network\u201d that resulted in poor leaders being promoted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Some<\/span>
Some NPS employees have reported fear of being retaliated against for reporting sexual harassment.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cMany said they felt unsafe \u2014 particularly in rural parks \u2014citing racism, sexism and discrimination against those with disabilities and LGBTQ+ employees,\u201d the HCN article reports. \u201cThey outlined \u2018significant concern for poor treatment of seasonal employees,\u2019 who are especially vulnerable to harassment and retaliation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, the results of that report were never distributed by the NPS, nor were they acted upon.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis process felt different than other initiatives like this in the past,\u201d an employee with knowledge of the report told HCN. \u201cPeople know these sessions happened. They were there. They shared their painful stories. The fact the report has never seen the light of day is disrespectful. It damages morale and makes the whole process feel like a sham.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"At<\/span>
At Yosemite National Park alone, 18 employees have come forward with allegations of harassment or misconduct.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No human being should be subjected to such behavior in the workplace.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

The NPS is currently under widespread investigation, yet there is no program within the service that attempts to heal the wounds of victims harassed, and silenced, during their time with the organization.<\/span><\/p>\n

These women need a place to turn, and it\u2019s beyond unacceptable for the NPS to fail them once more. Click below to urge the Director of the NPS to develop and implement a program to help these victims of sexual harassment find justice and healing.<\/span><\/p>\n