Our staff and students are helping to lead the Universities Australia Respect.Now.Always national campaign because we expect our community to behave with the highest standards of respect and consideration.
I was dismayed to hear of the behaviour of some students from Baxter College. As you will have seen from media reports yesterday and last night, a group of students were recorded chanting sexist and demeaning lyrics while on a private bus to an external venue on Friday evening (8 April).
UNSW will not tolerate this type of behaviour.
Our staff and students are helping to lead the Universities Australia Respect.Now.Always national campaign because we expect all in our community to treat each other and behave with the highest standards of respect and consideration.
The University has commenced an investigation into the matter and is taking steps to ensure that this sort of incident is not repeated. The Dean of Baxter College has acted quickly to make clear to residents that this behaviour is not acceptable. Meetings were convened on Monday night between the University, College residents and student representatives, including the UNSW SRC Women's Collective. We issued a public statement condemning the attitudes and behaviour reflected in the incident, as did the Collective, and I am pleased to report that residents of the College issued a public letter of apology.
Our 2025 Strategy includes a commitment to social justice, equality and diversity. We will continue to work to ensure that this commitment is reflected in a culture and ethos on campus which is respectful to all. Where problems do exist we will address them. Much work has already been undertaken to try to counter unacceptable behaviour and make clear the standards expected at this University. We will be working closely with staff, students and our colleges with a shared aim of ensuring the safest and most inclusive environment possible for all members of the University community. The Respect.Now.Always campaign will help us in this effort.
The University’s Australian Human Rights Centre is working with Universities Australia and the Australian Human Rights Commission on a national project Strengthening Australian university responses to sexual assault and harassment. Led by UNSW law professor Andrea Durbach, the research aims to improve and inform the development and implementation of best practice policies and procedures for the sector, including a comprehensive survey of students. This project is integral to the Respect.Now.Always campaign and will help in achieving positive change across our universities.