successfully at universities, the government needs to take more action to address
this kind of behaviour in schools. The Committee’s inquiry found that while
there is some excellent work being carried out to prevent sexual harassment and
sexual violence in schools, it is not widespread. It has therefore called on the
government to ensure that a ‘whole school approach’ is taken, assisted by
national guidance and support, to prevent and respond to sexual harassment
and sexual violence. The Committee has also recommended that sex and
relationships education (SRE) becomes a statutory subject.
13. The Taskforce also noted the ‘#SREnow’ campaign which is campaigning to
make SRE compulsory in all primary and secondary schools in England
including consent and healthy relationships.
Tackling hate crime
14. The government’s action plan to tackle hate crime, Action Against Hate (July
2016)16, focuses on any crime that is motivated by hostility on the grounds of
race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or transgender identity. This
includes antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate crime, as well as hate crimes on the
basis of sexual orientation and transgender identity, each of which are a focus of
the Taskforce’s work.
15. The action plan makes specific government commitments to prevent and
respond more effectively to hate crimes based on these protected characteristics.
A significant number of the commitments are targeted at supporting and
reducing prejudice among young people particularly of school age.
16. The action plan highlights that victims of hate crime are more likely to
experience repeat victimisation and serious psychological impacts as a result.
They are also less likely to be satisfied with the police response. Awareness of
this and the potential impact on the student body is therefore important for
universities if they are to fulfil their responsibilities for student safety and
welfare.
17. Out of hate crimes recorded by the police in England and Wales in 2014–15, 6%
were religion hate crimes, 11% were sexual orientation hate crimes and 1% were
transgender hate crimes.17 This compares to 82% of hate crimes over the same
period being motivated by racial hatred. Given the prevalence of race hate crime
nationally, the Taskforce recognises the scope for further work in relation to race
hate crime affecting university students.
Antisemitism
18. As well as being included in the government’s action plan to tackle hate crime,
antisemitism is also the focus of a separate report produced by the Department
for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) in December 2014 –
Government Action on Antisemitism. This identified the higher education sector
Action against hate: the UK government’s plan for tackling hate crime (July 2016). Available at
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/540700/Action_Agai
nst_Hate_-_UK_Government’s_Plan_to_Tackle_Hate_Crime_2016.pdf
17 Home Office, Hate Crime, England and Wales 2014–15, Statistical Bulletin 05/15 (October 2015).
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