university has supported such campaigns this has helped to raise awareness of many different forms of harassment, has demonstrated how seriously this behaviour will be taken, and has made clear the disciplinary consequences of certain behaviours.
96. The lessons learned from these student-led campaigns could be applied to the implementation of a wider zero-tolerance approach that addresses all areas being examined by the Taskforce. Outlining expected behaviours in the context of a zero-tolerance culture sends a clear message to both staff and students that certain behaviours are not acceptable. A zero-tolerance approach should inform robust policies as well as bring about wider culture change and raise awareness of students’ rights and responsibilities as part of the university community.
97. Policies should be unambiguous and clearly present the type of behaviours that are unacceptable. To be effective, they should be backed up by clear disciplinary procedures which align with the stated policy. This will demonstrate that such behaviour has consequences and will be taken seriously by both the institution and the students’ union.
98. Adopting a zero-tolerance approach should also aim to be effective in bringing about wider culture change. As the NUS has suggested in relation to sexual harassment, it can be used to raise awareness of behaviours that will not be tolerated. This should not only build the confidence of students to speak out about an incident but also empower student witnesses to challenge and report where they see their peers behaving badly. This wider approach has already been adopted by some institutions, such as at the University of Manchester where the university and students’ union have collaborated to expand the‘ We Get It’ campaign to cover all forms of bullying, harassment and discrimination.
99. A number of institutions working with their students’ unions highlighted that peer-to-peer training can be an effective mechanism for addressing the normalisation of unacceptable behaviour. BUCS has capitalised on the influential position of members of university sports teams and societies to help stamp out poor behaviour. It found that educating and training members of the student body can result in a far-reaching‘ trickle down’ effect.
100. The Taskforce also noted that fostering a zero-tolerance approach should involve wider community engagement particularly with entertainment venues including local bars and nightclubs. There are good examples of students’ union and university initiatives to engage with local businesses to encourage a zerotolerance approach with many signing up to the‘ Good Night Out’ campaign 59.
101. The Taskforce considered what other mechanisms were available to universities to reinforce specific behaviours within the student body. The Taskforce agreed
59
See http:// www. goodnightoutcampaign. org /
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