University asks residential colleges to improve culture
The Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor have invited independent colleges affiliated with the University to work with former sex discrimination commissioner Elizabeth Broderick AO to address concerns about their culture.
The move follows recent media reports about University students being involved in incidents of sexual harassment and assault in some of the colleges.
It is deeply concerning and saddening to hear of these accounts and I wanted to keep you informed of the University鈥檚 action to address these problems.
鈥淭he Chancellor and I have invited some of the independent colleges affiliated with the University to work with us and with former sex discrimination commissioner Elizabeth Broderick AO on how to respond to concerns that have been raised about their culture. The colleges have welcomed this move."
As Australia鈥檚 sex discrimination commissioner from 2007 to 2015, Elizabeth Broderick led several investigations into gender discrimination in the Australian Defence Force, including in a residential training college. Her involvement follows other recent steps by the University to improve campus culture, including the of the results of a survey to gauge our students鈥� experiences of sexual harassment and assault, and the actions underway to effect change.
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鈥淭hese are important first steps, however there is much more to be done,鈥� the Vice-Chancellor said.
Any behaviour that is intimidating, abusive, disrespectful, or threatening is absolutely unacceptable within our community or on our campuses. We are committed to creating an inclusive campus where all our community feels safe and supported.
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