Maastricht University previously decided to do more about combatting undesirable sexual behaviour. President Rianne Letschert, for example, signed Amnesty International’s Let’s talk about Yes manifest at the end of 2021. Amnesty’s study in Dutch higher education showed that almost one in ten female students is the victim of rape. UM’s own investigation (also in 2021) was no more optimistic: 47 per cent of the students was a victim of sexual violence and/or sexual intimidation.
Training
At the moment, a plan is being finalised that includes training for students and employees (how do we treat one another, what is respectful behaviour, how can we help victims, what should you do if you see something happen that is unacceptable?), rules and procedures, and a communication plan. During the latest University Council’s strategy committee meeting last Tuesday, Letschert said: “The formal proposal is not ready yet, we will include your remarks in our discussion.”
Compulsory lesson
During the Inkom 2023, an awareness campaign for students will be launched, even though it is not known yet what exactly this will look like. It is clear that during the faculty introductions all first-year students must attend a compulsory lesson on sexual safety. In addition, a compulsory online course on the prevention of sexual violence has been scheduled. “This is not a module in the curriculum, we never said that,” the President emphasises. “The curriculum is the responsibility of the deans, not of the Executive Board.” There will also be a Social Safety Point for students where they can go with questions and complaints.
How will they check to see if all students have participated in the compulsory lesson at the end of August, University Council members wondered. Will there be attendance lists, for example? The answer was that this is still being deliberated.