Update, August 2020: We were disappointed to learn of the unethical behavior of 2018 Disobedience Award winner BethAnn McLaughlin in fabricating a Twitter account to falsely pose as a Native American scientist. However, the Disobedience Award was not made solely to Dr. McLaughlin, but to her and two other recipients as representatives of the #MeToo and #MeTooSTEM movements. We continue to wholeheartedly support the work of the other pioneers of these movements, both in academia and outside of it.
In that spirit, we will no longer recognize Dr. McLaughlin as a co-recipient of the 2018 Disobedience Award, and we have removed references to her on the official award website. The Media Lab has no current relationship with Dr. McLaughlin, nor will it pursue one.
The Media Lab remains committed to furthering the cause of justice for members of vulnerable and marginalized communities and to breaking the silence around sexual harassment and abuse.