Institutional Narrative-Making in Reporting Academic Sexual Misconduct

• In Event: Narrative Criminology #2: Power and Resistance in Intersecting Institutional and Personal Narratives

Abstract

Sexual misconduct is a prevalent issue in academia today, with popular news stories and academic-specific #MeToo movements revealing its disproportionate impacts by gender and race. While criminologists have begun to turn their attention to this subject, there has not been adequate investigation of the role of institutional narratives (particularly from Title IX offices) in supporting or thwarting reporting experiences. To address this gap, this study analyzes interviews with 70 individuals who have experienced academic sexual misconduct and 15 Title IX officials. We explore whether and how institutional narratives of this phenomenon differ from personal narratives. In turn, we analyze how institutional narratives impact individuals’ experiences in light of variation by identities of age, gender, race/ethnicity, and academic discipline. We conclude with theoretical implications for the loose coupling of institutional and individuals’ narratives.

Authors

• Sarah Silberman, University of Maryland

• Rachel Ellis, University of Maryland