WLBZ interviews Blackstone about sexual harassment at work
WLBZ (Channel 2) spoke with Amy Blackstone, a sociology professor at the University of Maine, about sexual harassment in the workplace. In the wake of the recent sexual misconduct allegations made against many high-profile celebrities and politicians, Blackstone said women coming forward shows progress. “It’s certainly not a new phenomenon, and it’s certainly not due to greater sensitivity,” she said. “I think what’s new is that we are talking about it.” Blackstone has been part of a research group with the University of Minnesota for the past 20 years that focuses on sexual harassment in the workplace, according to the report. “The more that we talk about this, the more comfortable people will be speaking out about it and reflecting on how their behavior might have affected others,” she said. Blackstone also was cited in a USA Today article about what to do if you have been sexually harassed at work. Telling a trusted co-worker about the incident could be in the victim’s best interest, according to Blackstone.