Grad students are particularly fragile. Not in character, but in their position within the institution.

Since you are not enfranchised in the institution, you are very likely to be harmed by making a complaint. That does not mean you shouldn’t do it. It just means that you need to be prepared for the reality of having repercussions for your actions. Being prepared means you will be more confident when you do decide to take action. Think of this like a checklist/workflow for when things go wrong.

There is a temptation is to believe in the good-heartedness of the people in the institution, the moral correctness of your cause, or the possibility of creating a movement. This is a dangerous fantasy that must be avoided. Also, sometimes it is tempting to think you can shame the powerful into giving up their power. You cannot. Unless you are truly capable of threatening their livelihoods, usually through the intervention of a person or body with more power, you will not convince anyone abusive to change their behaviour.

This might be disappointing to hear and seemingly contradict narratives that people have about social movements. There is a tendency to think in terms of being able to shame people into action within social movements. Commonly, we are told that “representation is everything.” Or that if only enough people will join us, true change can happen.

Perhaps. Nobody can predict the future. But you can’t put your faith in what-ifs and marketing tactics. Keep up hope but plan realistically.