I know that many people in the heterodox economics/ progressive policy economist community want to look the other way as details of abhorrent treatment Claudia Sahm received from her employers at the Center for Equitable Growth come out. I think this would be a mistake.

I get that the appointment of a heterodox Economist (Heather Boushey) to the US President’s is very cool, and I get the urge to rally behind her as just yesterday then her credentials were questioned as not being an “intellectual heavyweight”

But looking the other way from this account is not something an academic/policy community that thinks of itself as progressive can of should do, just because the person involved is one of our own http://macromomblog.com/2020/12/01/economic-truly-is-a-disgrace/

This behavior is unacceptable. To pretend that the hetecon community is free from bullies and doesn’t have a structural discrimination and exclusion problem similar to the mainstream of the discipline is delusional.

This is more evidence to that end. I know that for many of us, employment opportunities are difficult to come but and vocally and visibly taking a stand against a powerful person within the community is risky. I am painfully aware of that.

I know many folks have got grants from the WCEG, or have gone to grad school w/ the people involved, or got an imp opportunity from this network. But if we are serious about ending discrimination, exclusion, & a toxic environment within Econ, it is imp to not be silent now.

Even if you are not serious, the fact is that many prospective students and colleagues are watching your response and it sends the wrong signal to them, especially to women and POCs.

Also, from a completely selfish-for-everyone perspective, a network built on ignoring bad behavior and discrimination can also mean that tomorrow you or on the receiving end if you fall afoul of someone powerful. Not good.