SAA Statement on Sexual Assault and Harassment

Recent articles about harassment of public librarians and sexual assault by former Archivist of the United States Allen Weinstein demonstrate that the archives profession is not immune from the sexual and racialized abuses of power that have been revealed across various industries in recent months. SAA expresses its strong support to our colleagues and other victims of sexual assault in and around our profession—and thanks NARA employee Maryellen Trautman for telling her story. SAA denounces, and does not tolerate, any actions that are or can be construed as sexual assault. Moreover, SAA denounces and does not tolerate harassment in any form.

Current Archivist of the United States David Ferriero has responded to the article about Weinstein, and his comments may be found here.

If you have experienced sexual assault and are in need of support, call the RAINN Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). If you have suggestions about how SAA or its Women Archivists Section can best serve and support members, or what resources we might share with you, please contact SAA President Tanya Zanish-Belcher (president@archivists.org), Executive Director Nancy Beaumont (nbeaumont@archivists.org), or Women Archivists Section Co-Chairs Stacie Williams (smariwilliams79@gmail.com) and Danielle Russell (drussell3@csmd.edu).

Approved by the SAA Council on February 8, 2018.