RUG Declined Proposal to Join 21 Other Universities in Signing ‘Let’s Talk About Yes’ Manifesto
RUG Declined Proposal to Join 21 Other Universities in Signing ‘Let’s Talk About Yes’ Manifesto
'Let's Talk About YES' is a manifesto created by AISG (Amnesty International Student Group) — a global organisation committed to fighting injustice and advocating for human rights. The manifesto aims to spread awareness about sexual violence and calls for action in which institutions commit to creating a safe environment for their students and employees.
It is urgent that institutions take immediate action to combat sexual violence and create safe spaces within the university. However, when AISG together with Lijst Calimero submitted a proposal to the Board of the University of Groningen to sign the ‘Let’s talk about Yes’ manifesto, RUG declined the invitation.
In their response, they state that CvB recognises the content of AISG’s manifesto and the need for additional steps in social safety. They claim that they bear responsibility for a positive work and study climate for students, employees and visitors, saying that:
“The subject of social safety is therefore high on the agenda within all sections of the RUG”
RUG informs that a four-year plan for social safety is being developed, which involves awareness and prevention to keep attention on the topic now and permanently. The University Council was informed about this in the fall of 2023.
“The RUG will not sign this manifesto and chooses to take responsibility for making its own structural policy on social safety.”
Students have doubts about this promise, with the recent history of RUG shutting down student protests, as well as the ongoing challenge with social safety at RUG. The YAG report has pointed out structural problems related to sexual violence and consent where victims report experiencing victim blaming and retaliation, instead of receiving support.
Hundreds of activists concerned about sexual violence among students have joined their campaign and asked their educational institutions to take responsibility. They enter into discussions with their institutions and think about what concrete measures they can take.
Signatories of the manifesto promise to commit themselves to combating sexual violence:
“A knowledge institution like ours must be safe. A safe haven, both intellectually and physically. That is why we are committed to combating any form of transgressive behaviour.”
Elisabeth Minnemann, chairman of the board of The Hague University of Applied Sciences.
A total of 21 large institutions, including University of Amsterdam, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, and Groningen’s Hanze University of Applied Sciences have now signed and taken measures to prevent sexual violence and provide proper guidance to victims. Others indicate that they will do so soon.
While the student body is disappointed in RUG’s decision, they plan to ask the university to sign the manifesto again next year, in order to actually commit to taking responsibility and installing measures needed to support their staff and students.
AISG and Lijst Calimero call on students to stay vigilant on the topic and hold the university accountable. The organisations have created a student petition to collect signatures, urging the university to sign the manifesto next year. You can sign it here and stay updated on the matter on their websites and social media.