Detroit — The Society of Plastics Engineers announced at Antec that it was joining a group of professional organizations in a consortium that will look at sexual- and gender-based issues.
Bethel, Conn.-based SPE will partner with more than 53 other societies to form the Societies Consortium on Sexual Harassment in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine).
The announcement came during a panel discussion on women in the plastics industry.
"Harassment and discrimination, in any form or for any reason, undermine the core principles of ethics, equality and diversity. By joining forces with other leading STEMM-focused societies, SPE will serve as a change agent toward removing the barriers to inclusion from the plastics industry," SPE CEO Patrick Farrey said.
Members of the consortium will work together to develop resources that will be made available to all their members. These will include professional and ethical conduct policies and procedures to combat sexual harassment.
"SPE is an inclusive society of plastics professionals who work throughout the plastics industry value chain — scientists, engineers, technical personnel and senior executives across the spectrum of education, gender, culture and age," Farrey said. "We are committed to ensuring that everyone has the tools necessary to meet her or his personal and professional goals.
"The work of this consortium will create even greater awareness of the issues being faced and the available solutions which will benefit everyone," he said.
SPE has about 22,500 members in 84 countries.