Federal regulator halts investigation into sexual misconduct within the trucking industry
In a move that has sparked controversy, the Trump administration has decided to cancel a study aimed at addressing sexual harassment and rape in the trucking industry. The study, known as the SASH (Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment) study, was initiated by the SASH Working Group last fall and was designed to expand upon previous research and promote a deeper understanding of SASH data and issues.
The SASH study, which was scheduled to run for three years, would have reached out to people who were not previously self-selected by the industry, including minorities and transwomen. The study was set to be conducted at truck stops, where sexual harassment and rape are often reported.
Anne Balay, a member of the working group overseeing the project, stated that they received an email telling them not to do any more work on the study. Balay, who interviewed many women truckers, reported that rape is considered a part of the job in the trucking industry. She severely criticized an FMCSA crime prevention survey unveiled at WOTAB's first meeting in 2022, which found that "touched inappropriately" was the most serious offense reported among survey respondents. Balay stated that calling rape as being 'touched inappropriately' is extremely offensive.
Addressing sexual assault and sexual harassment was a top recommendation made by the Women of Trucking Advisory Board (WOTAB). One of the proposed rules affected by the regulatory freeze order was based on a WOTAB recommendation regarding minimum training requirements for entry-level commercial motor vehicle operators. The proposed rule aimed to address ways FMCSA can enhance the physical safety of women truck drivers and trainees and address the negative impacts of workplace sexual harassment.
The FMCSA has not yet commented on the cancellation of the SASH study and the status of the proposed minimum training rule. The cancellation of the SASH study and the status of the proposed minimum training rule are related to ongoing discussions and articles about the Trump administration's stance on anti-harassment initiatives in the trucking industry. Balay said that the study was canceled not to save money, but to prevent the results from getting out to the public.
The study aimed to determine the prevalence of SASH and identify resources for victims. It followed best practices in SASH methodology related to sample size and design, including categories of gender, sexual orientation, and ethnicity. Balay stated that the study would have represented a significant improvement over previous studies.
The decision to discontinue the project addressing sexual harassment and assault in the truck driving profession was made by the responsible organizational leadership, aiming to keep the findings confidential to avoid making changes that would improve safety for women in the industry. This decision has raised concerns among advocates and industry experts, who argue that addressing sexual assault and harassment is crucial for creating a safe and inclusive work environment for women in the trucking industry.
