I’m experiencing a hostile environment.
Graduate school should be challenging, but it should not be traumatic or hostile (see article on this distinction). A hostile environment is one in which poor communication, gossip, scolding or blaming, favoritism, coercion, competition, back-stabbing, manipulation, and/or abuse occur on a regular basis.
If you are experiencing a hostile environment created or exacerbated by sexual, race-based, or gender-based harassment, please see the sections on addressing those types of situations.
If you are experiencing a hostile environment due to other hostilities or power dynamic concerns, the next step is to speak to your director of graduate studies or department chair.