NUS has been campaigning against the use of NDAs in cases of sexual violence in universities for 7 years.
The Office for Students (OfS) will bring in new requirements for universities to protect students from harassment and sexual misconduct, as a survey published today finds that 20 per cent of students have experienced unwanted sexual behaviour.
Universities and colleges will no longer be able to use non-disclosure agreements in cases of harassment or sexual misconduct. Institutions are also being asked to take steps to prevent an abuse of power in personal relationships between staff and students. Staff and students will also receive training, including to improve understanding of what constitutes harassment and sexual misconduct.
Concern around the issue of using NDAs to silence victims of sexual violence at universities was first raised by NUS and the 1752 group’s Power in the Academy research, which shone a light on staff-student misconduct.
The new regulatory condition has been announced after consultation with numerous student groups, including NUS.
Commenting Saranya Thambirajah, NUS Vice President Liberation and Equality, said:
“We are really pleased and relieved that OfS has listened to students, and is taking seriously that 20% of students, primarily women, still experience unwanted sexual behaviour and are creating guidance for how universities and colleges can tackle this systemic problem. We particularly welcome the Ofs’ mandate that universities will no longer be able to use non-disclosure agreements in cases of harassment and sexual misconduct.
“This is an incredible win for NUS, and is down to the tireless work of NUS Women’s Campaign, feminist societies and women’s officers from students’ unions across the country, who have been campaigning to tackle sexual violence for almost 15 years. Together we made sexual harassment and violence a priority across higher education and the government has heard us loud and clear.
“However, we must remember why this is so crucial – and the reason is bleak. No one should experience harassment at college or university, 1 in 5 is 1 too many. Further, 90% of students who experienced sexual violence in the last year did not report the incident to the police, which is why we must be able to rely on our institutions to handle cases justly and with care. We hope that this new condition and guidance will empower all institutions to do so.”
“Culture change takes time, and we are by no means at the end of the road with this journey, but today is evidence of our hard work thus far paying off, and we will continue to fight for a future where campuses are free of sexual violence.”
