“Stamping out sexual harassment and 'lad culture' in the university sector"
Speakers
- Laura Bates, Founder, Everyday Sexism Project
- Susuana Amoah, Women’s Officer, National Union of Students
- David Richardson, Vice-Chancellor, University of East Anglia
- Nicola Dandridge, Chief Executive, Universities UK
Laura Bates began her presentation by describing that the Everyday Sexism Project has now received over 100,000 contributions from women who have experienced instances of sexism, both minor and serious. She noted that of course these contributions were not restricted to staff and students in universities; but explained why she felt the sector has an excellent opportunity to deal with some of the highlighted issues. She described the good work the National Union of Students had already done around raising awareness in this area, referencing the Hidden Marks report that was published in 2010.
She made it clear that institutions should refrain from any knee-jerk reactions of “not on my watch” and to consider what can be done to make students and staff more confident in reporting harassment to their institution and to the police. She said that while many universities may have reporting mechanisms in place but that students may not be aware of these or be afraid of damaging their academic career if they use them to report instances of harassment or abuse.
Laura Bates also raised the matter of social media and how this has added a new dimension to any harassment that students might receive, such as web pages such as ‘spotted’ or pages that rank women out of ten. She flagged that university was a time when young people are already under pressure, living away from home for the first time and particular occasions like Fresher’s week, initiations, or club nights can provide opportunities for harassment. When these are university-organised or affiliated events, it gives the impression that the discrimination is institutional and makes female students feel even less able to complain. She concluded her remarks by noting that work has begun in this area but stressing the importance that this is patchy and solutions require full buy-in from the university management.
Susuana Amoah described why tackling lad culture has been a key aspect of the women's campaign for years. The NUS believe that as long as misogyny, harassment and sexual violence are normalised as part of the student experience, female students do not have equal access to university education. Susuana set out the findings of the NUS’ Hidden Marks report which discovered that in order to properly tackle sexual harassment and assault on campus; it must be acknowledged that this behaviour is in fact sustained within a wider problematic culture that exists on campuses across the UK, commonly known as lad culture. She noted that this was then defined by students in the NUS’ 2013 report "That's What She Said" as group or ‘pack’ mentality residing in activities such as sport, heavy alcohol consumption and ‘banter’ which was often sexist, misogynistic, racist or homophobic.
...to continue reading please open the PDF below.