When we'd train in classes or labs, we made it simple and universal - "No exposed skin from the neck down."

We'd also use some humor regarding tighter-fitting clothing. "No shorts, no skirts, no skorts, no kilts, no togas."

I'd also use the example from doing my son's laundry that he must've had difficulty in removing them since they were inside out. You don't want to be in that situation with an acid-soaked pair.

To Jessica's example and question - it can feel different coming from a peer of the same gender vs. an older authority figure of the opposite gender especially with some societal norms.

Focusing on a universally enforced policy is best. Also, an older male, could ask a female TA, Lab Manager, etc. to deliver the message.

Hope these help.

Jonathan

On Thu, Mar 10, 2022 at 10:30 AM Jessica Martin <jessica.a.martin**At_Symbol_Here**uconn.edu> wrote:

Perhaps some role play with the female staff would be helpful for these men?

I tell students that they need to wear clothes that effectively cover their skin, even when reaching for items. I also mention the idea of having reasonably loose clothing that is easy to remove if a spill happens, but not so loose that it gets caught in lab work. I have also discussed more flammable and less flammable types of materials of which clothing is made. Finally, I tell them to tie back hair if there is a possibility that their hair is long enough to block their vision or interfere with their lab work.

I've never felt the need to specifically comment on anyone's body in an inappropriate way when I have delivered those instructions. I simply go back to the rules above. Am I missing something here? Can an example be provided?

Best,

Jessica A. Martin, Ph.D.

NSF Graduate Research Fellow (2018-2021)

Joint Safety Team, Founding Member (2018-2021)

Pinkhassik Group, Department of Chemistry (2016-2021)

University of Connecticut

323-327-3974

jessica.a.martin**At_Symbol_Here**uconn.edu

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaannemartin/

"Anger is temporary - and often useful.

But the project is forever!

Seriously - this thing is never going to end is it?"

-I said this

On Mar 10, 2022, at 10:17 AM, CHAS membership <membership**At_Symbol_Here**DCHAS.ORG> wrote:

*Message sent from a system outside of UConn.*


From: Wendy L Hom <Wendy.L.Hom**At_Symbol_Here**hofstra.edu>
Re: Advice about laboratory attire

We had less of this before the pandemic but since coming back, there are students that have not been wearing appropriate lab attire and it has been challenging trying to get the instructors to enforce this. I was told by another female colleague that some male colleagues find it awkward to tell young ladies that they need to cover up as it goes against the societal rule that older men should not comment on the bodies of young women.

They know and we all know that it is important for safety and we have this in the lab safety guide that all students review and attest to, and we have posted signs on the outside of the lab doors.

Does the group have any advice or suggestions to address this? I always thought it was entirely appropriate to tell someone that they were not wearing appropriate attire for the lab and they could not continue since it was not directly commenting on one's body.

Any advice is appreciated! Thanks!

--

Without Wax,
Wendy Hom

Department of Chemistry Laboratory Director
Environmental Health & Safety Officer
319 Berliner Hall
151 Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY 11549
(516) 463-5541
Wendy.L.Hom**At_Symbol_Here**hofstra.edu

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