A significant number of American Political Science Association members believe they have been targets of sexual harassment at the group's annual meetings, according to a recent survey commissioned by the association.

The survey, released in January, polled 2,424 APSA members about their experiences at the association's annual meeting. The study is part of a larger effort to combat sexual harassment within the political science profession, with APSA recently issuing a new anti-harassment policy for the event.

Most APSA members surveyed said they had never experienced sexual harassment at the event, with 73 percent of men reporting no harassment compared to 51 percent of women.

However, 42 percent of women and 22 percent of men said they had been "put down or experienced condescension" at the meeting. Thirty percent of women and 22 percent of men said they had been the subject of inappropriate language or looks. Eleven percent of women and 3 percent of men said they had experienced unwanted sexual advances, inappropriate touching, and bribes or threats associated with sexual advances.

"Even in those cases where the percentage of members experiencing such incidents may be low, the number is nonetheless disconcerting," the survey's authors wrote. "That 29 of our members felt they had experienced threats of professional retaliation for not being sexually cooperative, and 44 felt they were being bribed with special professional rewards is, respectively, 29 and 44 people too many."

APSA has established a sexual harassment resource page on its website for members who want to learn more about the association's position and policies on the issue. http://bit.ly/2odvNAl

MORE CEO DATELINE

• American Frozen Food Institute moving to Arlington
• After mass shooting, mental health groups advise how to cope with trauma
• Airline groups seek tighter regulation of drones
• Zoo association to fight wildlife trafficking
• CEO of Hispanic Chamber steps down after allegations