Read on Twitter
1/13 One quarter of young academics have been bullied. I am one of them. I am sharing this letter and chain of tweets to ensure future student and staff safety. I wish I didn’t have to.
My statement https://tinyurl.com/yy2dxu55
@AcademicChatter #PhDChat @ThesisWhisperer
My statement https://tinyurl.com/yy2dxu55
@AcademicChatter #PhDChat @ThesisWhisperer
2/13 I experienced and witnessed years of bullying and harassment by Professor James E.M. Watson ( @cyclonewatson) at the University of Queensland and on Wildlife Conservation Society projects he supervised
@TheWCS @UQ_News @UQ_CBCS @UQ_SEES @fairwork_gov_au @arc_gov_au
@TheWCS @UQ_News @UQ_CBCS @UQ_SEES @fairwork_gov_au @arc_gov_au
3/13 The bullying had detrimental impacts on the health and wellbeing of myself and other victims. The bullying was serious enough to cause me anxiety and complex trauma, a form of PTSD. This was confirmed by independent #mentalhealth professionals.
4/13 My story highlights a deep bullying issue in academia. The system lacks transparency and doesn’t account for power imbalances. Silence is not neutral. It is complicit with a culture of secrecy and fear conducive to bullying. We must change the system and speak out
5/13 I am going public as a last resort. For the last year I have been unable to make progress through formal complaint channels. I don’t believe UQ has done enough to protect former, current and future staff and students. So I want to set the record straight.
6/13 I know of 7 people who complained in 2020 to the UQ Dean of Science, Professor Melissa Brown about bullying, harassment and misconduct by Professor Watson.
7/13 UQ formally investigated the allegations but refused to allow complainants anonymity and gave their names to Professor Watson. This put us at risk of victimisation and frightened others into staying silent
8/13 Misconduct allegations against Professor James E.M. Watson were substantiated by UQs investigation.
UQ is trying to keep the investigation and its outcome confidential.
@TheWCS @UQ_News @AcademicChatter #PhDChat @arc_gov_au @NatGeo
UQ is trying to keep the investigation and its outcome confidential.
@TheWCS @UQ_News @AcademicChatter #PhDChat @arc_gov_au @NatGeo
9/13 UQ refused to tell me which allegations were substantiated, not substantiated, if any were disproved, what actions they took to ensure staff and student safety, and won’t provide evidence their investigation was rigorous and conflict of interest free.
10/13 I encourage others to report further (or past - it is never too late) incidents, and to consider going public so it is not covered up. Professor Melissa Brown is responsible for ensuring Professor Watson does not bully again so should be informed @MelissaBrownAus
11/13 I am grateful and thankful to everyone who supported me during the bullying and equally harrowing complaint process. You know who you are and what your support means to me.
12/13 I have immense respect for the bravery and courage displayed by others who came forward and complained, risking their careers and personal safety in the process. Thank you.
13/13 Again, here is my full public statement
https://tinyurl.com/yy2dxu55
@TheWCS @UQ_News @AcademicChatter #PhDChat @arc_gov_au @NatGeo
https://tinyurl.com/yy2dxu55
@TheWCS @UQ_News @AcademicChatter #PhDChat @arc_gov_au @NatGeo
