[FrankJ]

Originally Posted by Madison

I think there are a few things here that merit discussion.

A little background. I am an old white guy from a fairly huggy culture. I am comfortable giving or receiving hugs. Recognizing that people from other cultures are less so I never initiate a hug from some one I don't know well. I am also try to be careful to hug in an appropriate way.

(1) Do you view the relationship between students and mentors as a professional relationship?

It varies tremendously with the situation. But I coach our team members how to interact professionally with the people they meet. One the primary ways is to treat all people with respect. I don't hug students as a routine greeting.

(2) Do you view the relationship between students and sponsors as a professional relationship?

For the most part yes. Certainly more formal than with the average mentor.

(3) Do you believe that a hug is an appropriate gesture between two people in a professional relationship?

Depends many factors including the formality of the situation. For example never in a court of law. Almost never in greeting colleagues at work. Much less so when receiving a reward or winning a major competition. Once again being cognizant that I am an old white guy, I let others initiate them. While never having the pleasure of receiving an award on Einstein, I have been hugged by male & female on other First fields.

(4) Do you believe that FIRST's response to concern about these topics, as raised by a team member, was appropriately professional?

Really cannot say with the data available. Was the complaint lodged by team parent of one of the women being hugged? What was the text of the complaint? What was the full text of the response? Knowing First's record of promoting women in STEM, I am inclined to focus on the bigger battles.