Association Perspective
Scott J. Knoer, MS, PharmD, FASHP, APhA EVP and CEO
The APhA Board of Trustees recently took a strong stance in response to a change.org petition that revealed uncomfortable truths about the treatment of women in pharmacy: “APhA is steadfastly opposed to sexism, racism, discrimination, harassment, and intimidation—implicit or explicit—and we are committed to combatting behaviors that undermine any member of our profession.”
The change.org petition, “End Gender Inequality in Clinical Pharmacy,” targets disturbing treatment and calls on pharmacy leaders to act to stop it. Specifically, it cites sexual harassment and misconduct, as well as the use of professional intimidation, to silence women from speaking out. If they raise the alarm, they risk appointment to tenure-track positions, leadership roles, recognition, and opportunities to present their research. Meanwhile, again and again they see their abusers or those who protect their abusers receive promotions and professional accolades.
This is not just a women’s issue. This is a problem for all of us. As the APhA Board wrote in its statement, “When women are sexually harassed, and when their achievements are subjugated and disregarded, we are deprived of valuable perspectives, ideas, and innovations that could propel us forward.” Our patients pay the price.
The Board urges every one of us, especially men, to take an honest inventory of how we think and act, and how we play a role in letting sexism endure. This applies not just to individuals, but to organizations like APhA.
We are taking that to heart. Three of our last five presidents have been women, with another set to take the baton in 2021. Several months before the petition, and in partnership with the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, APhA convened a joint task force aimed at achieving gender equity in science careers. The APhA House of Delegates passed its first policy statements opposing discrimination based on gender in 1989.
The change.org petition is distressing to those who never imagined this was an issue in our professional home. Like the Board, I am happy to see that the parties behind this petition have motivated organizations and individuals to take a stand and engage in a conversation that must be ongoing. No longer will we tolerate behaviors that silence women.
There’s a lot of work to do, and APhA is going to tackle it head-on.