Statement Condemning UIUC Harassment Case
Monday, September 18, 2023
Graduate Employees Organization Local 6300
The Graduate Employees’ Organization (GEO) at UIUC, IFT/AFT Local 6300 stands in unwavering solidarity with survivors of abuse and sexual harassment. We strongly condemn the actions of Max Allen, who is affiliated with UIUC’s Nature Resources & Environmental Sciences department and the Illinois Natural History Survey. We also condemn the administration of these departments and the University of Illinois for continuing to support and employ him. It is an affront to our values that any educator would engage in bullying and sexual harassment of students. There is no amount of prestige or grant money that a professor can bring to our campus that outweighs the safety of students on campus, or their right to work and to an education.
We demand that the Illinois Natural History Survey and the University of Illinois take immediate action and terminate Max Allen's employment.
The GEO stands united to create a campus culture that promotes respect, inclusivity, and safety for everyone. We are committed to fostering an environment where abusive behavior is not tolerated, where every individual's voice is heard, and where survivors are supported without reservation. We must build this support network together to create a better culture on campus that does not allow these behaviors, calling it out when it happens and supporting students. We are stronger together, and together we will build a brighter and more equitable future for our campus community. We demand that faculty be held accountable when their actions are grossly inappropriate.
Resources:
Women’s Resource Center: https://wrc.illinois.edu/advocacy/confidential-advising
Student Assistance Center: https://odos.illinois.edu/community-of-care/student-assistance-center
Office for Access and Equity: https://oae.illinois.edu/
Counseling Center: https://counselingcenter.illinois.edu/
Rape Advocacy, Counseling, & Education Services (RACES): https://www.cu-races.org/
Psychological Services Center: https://psc.illinois.edu/
Solidarity forever!
Graduate Employees’ Organization
809 S. 5th St., Geneva Room
Champaign, IL 61820
Email: geo@uigeo.org