Prioritizing Title IX in Private Cultural Resource Management

Summary

Cultural Resource Management (CRM) employs approximately 63% of archaeologists in the United States. Private consulting firms contract with federal agencies to assist in compliance with federal laws such as NHPA, NAGPRA, ARPA and AHPA, and additional state laws. As contract archaeologists, we often work extended periods within small groups in isolated areas, which lends to work environments away from support systems of family and friends. Co-workers depend on each other for safety and support in more intimate environments than non-field work. This intimate nature of our work environment often permits lines between professional/formal relationships and personal relationships to blur. Consequently, individual behaviors, intentional or not, can result in uncomfortable and/or un-safe work environments. Field conditions can provide a context in which civil rights and Title IX can inadvertently be lost. In addition, the small, isolated nature of the group can act as a deterrent to speaking out against harassment or discrimination. I argue that CRM firms need to prioritize Title IX to the same degree as other federal laws that govern our work. To redefine the existing culture of our field, individuals at all levels must participate in the discussions and creation of a safe, healthy and respectful work environment.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 83rd Annual Meeting, Washington, DC (2018)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 21771