The recent allegations on social media of sexual harassment and assault by academic economists in positions of power are deeply disturbing.
There should be no place in economics for those who seek to harass, bully or intimidate in any form. The RES is committed to doing everything it can to root out such behaviour and to promote good professional conduct throughout our discipline.
In 2022 the Royal Economic Society established a Complaints Policy and Standards of Conduct Committee to investigate breaches of the RES Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct sets out the standards the Society expects of its members, those who attend RES-run or RES-sponsored events and those in positions of authority at the Society including Officers, Journal Editors and Committee Chairs. We urge everyone who wishes to make a complaint that lies within the scope of the Code to do so through the Complaints Policy. The RES Trustee Board will work with the Standards of Conduct Committee, RES Diversity Champion and Women’s Committee to keep the Code and Complaints Policy under constant review in light of these allegations.
We believe it is everybody’s role to contribute to improve the culture in Economics. We are creating ways to empower active bystanders to challenge inappropriate behaviours and to support individuals who may be unsure about whether or not to make a complaint. We commit to creating an ever more supportive and inclusive environment in the RES and encourage our members to contribute towards this goal.
Royal Economic Society Trustee Board
3 November 2022
