US Antarctic Base Implements New Alcohol Policies Amid Harassment Concerns

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Starting from this Sunday, workers at the primary United States base in Antarctica will no longer have the option to walk into a bar and order alcoholic beverages. This decision follows the federal agency overseeing the research program’s choice to cease serving alcohol at McMurdo Station.

It’s important to note that McMurdo Station will not become entirely alcohol-free. The National Science Foundation (NSF) has clarified that researchers and support staff will still be able to purchase a weekly allotment of alcohol from the station’s store. Nevertheless, this change in policy could have significant implications, as the bars have traditionally served as central hubs for social interaction in this isolated environment.

These alterations in alcohol availability coincide with mounting concerns regarding the prevalence of sexual misconduct at McMurdo. A recent investigation by The Big Big News revealed a recurring pattern where women claimed that their reports of harassment or assault were downplayed by their employers, potentially putting them and others in further jeopardy. In some of these cases, alcohol was a contributing factor.

However, the NSF has asserted that the changes related to alcohol are primarily aimed at boosting morale and welfare at the base, rather than solely targeting the prevention of sexual harassment or assault.

Effective this coming Sunday, workers will only be able to order non-alcoholic drinks at McMurdo’s main bars, Southern Exposure and Gallagher’s. They will still be permitted to bring their own alcohol to consume at these establishments. The third venue, the Coffee House, which previously served alcohol, will transition to being entirely alcohol-free but will remain open for workers to visit at any time of day or night.

Under the new rules, Antarctic workers will have the option to purchase a weekly allocation of up to the equivalent of 18 beers, three bottles of wine, or a 750 milliliter (25 ounce) bottle of spirits.

In addition to these alcohol-related changes, the NSF is implementing several new measures during the current southern hemisphere spring and upcoming summer with the aim of preventing sexual harassment and assault at the base, where approximately 70% of the workforce is male. These measures include enhanced training, the introduction of a new survey to collect data and track trends, and visits by experts to the ice.

Karen Marrongelle, the NSF’s chief operating officer, affirmed the organization’s commitment to ensuring a safe environment for scientific and educational activities. She stated, “We will not rest until we are confident that every member of the Antarctic community feels safe and supported.”

In a 2022 report published by the NSF, 59% of women reported experiencing harassment or assault while in Antarctica, with 72% of women perceiving such behavior as a problem in the region. In response, the NSF established an office to handle complaints, provided confidential victim advocates, and set up a 24-hour helpline in the past year.

The recent investigation by The Associated Press (AP) revealed systemic issues at McMurdo, including cases where survivors of misconduct faced adverse consequences. Some reported incidents occurred without alcohol involvement, indicating that solely restricting alcohol may not completely address the problem.

To effectively reduce drinking, critics suggest providing alternative activities, such as reinstating amenities like the bowling alley, ceramic studio, and greenhouse, which have disappeared due to budget constraints.

While the NSF’s efforts to improve the base’s culture are commendable, concerns persist that incidents may still be underreported or mishandled when they pose a risk to a contracting company’s primary objectives. Clarity and accountability in addressing these issues will be essential moving forward.

Furthermore, as part of an initiative to enhance morale, the NSF will expand internet access through the Starlink satellite network, allowing workers to stay better connected with their loved ones back home. Starlink is operated by SpaceX, the company founded by Elon Musk.

The NSF had hinted at forthcoming changes to its alcohol policies in a blog post last month and began informing workers about the new anti-harassment measures in mid-August. However, it did not explicitly mention these alcohol-related program adjustments in its initial responses to inquiries about sexual harassment prevention. The NSF clarified that these changes primarily pertain to morale and welfare rather than sexual assault or harassment prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Antarctic Base Alcohol Policies

More about Antarctic Base Alcohol Policies

• The Big Big News investigation into sexual misconduct
• National Science Foundation (NSF)
• NSF report on harassment and assault in Antarctica
• Associated Press (AP) investigation
• Starlink satellite network