The Animal Behavior Society

Ethics
Statement
Dear ABS Members,

The Animal Behavior Society leadership was shocked and saddened to read the recent news coverage of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and behavioral misconduct allegations at Augustana University and the University of New Hampshire (link) by a longstanding, but currently inactive, member of the ABS community. We acknowledge that individuals in our community have suffered similar experiences, and some potentially at the hands of Animal Behavior Society members.
 
We want to assure our past, present, and future members that we are initiating a review of the recently reported matters in accordance with the ABS policy on Procedures for Reviewing Cases of Alleged Misconduct. Enforcement of this policy is a top priority for the ABS leadership team. In the coming weeks, the reviewing committee will identify appropriate actions. In the event of a finding that the alleged misconduct has violated our Code of Ethics, an announcement will be forthcoming outlining consequences. 
 
The ABS takes all reports of misconduct seriously. Anyone can report violations at any time to the following email address - safebehavior@animalbehaviorsociety.org - or to any member of the current Executive Committee. If you, or anyone you know, has additional information about this particular case, please use this reporting system.
We are currently working to provide future support and resources to ABS members who have been harmed by this situation, or other similar situations, and aim to announce the forms this will take shortly.
 
Our professional society is committed to creating and maintaining a safe, harassment-free environment for our members and for the broader animal behavior community. We stand firm against sexual assault, sexual harassment, and behavioral misconduct of any kind, and we believe in accountability.

Sincerely,

Eileen A. Hebets (on behalf of the ABS Executive Committee)
Charles Bessey Professor
President, Animal Behavior Society
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
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