‘Men’s Engagement’ Post Creates Media Stir

A University JOB POSTING for an “interpersonal violence clinician and men’s engagement manager” was big news for conservative media groups in July.

“Higher-Ed Assault on Masculinity Continues,” said one website, while the Washington Times headline read “Princeton Is on the Prowl to Emasculate Men.” The College Fix, a news blog, asserted that “the job posting implicitly refers to men as perpetrators and women as victims.”

Responsibilities of the position include developing programs to target “high-risk campus-based populations for primary prevention of interpersonal violence, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic/dating violence, and stalking,” as well as implementing programs “challenging gender stereotypes.” The job is part of Princeton’s Sexual Harassment/Assault Advising, Resources and Education office. 

Following the media attention, the University renamed the position as “prevention programs manager,” while saying the job description would remain the same. The position was filled at the end of August.

In a statement, Princeton said its program is similar to programs at other colleges and universities and is “consistent with established best practices that encourage both men and women to create and foster a culture in which there is no place for interpersonal violence and where safe and healthy interpersonal relationships are the norm.”