Our response to laddism in Higher Education

How do we interpret laddism?

• Key quotes from That’s what she said• ‘Lad culture’ was thought to be particularly influential in the

social side of university life. Activities and sports in particular were singled out as key sites, and it was reported that sexism in such environments could spill over into sexual harassment and humiliation

• Sexual harassment and violence were also very much related to ‘lad culture’. This included verbal harassment and ‘catcalling’, as well as physical harassment and sexual molestation. Groping in nightclubs was viewed by some as part of a ‘normal’ night out

What is the issue?

• Cases of sexual violence at Sussex• Hidden marks, That’s what she said• Lack of reporting system for reporting sexual

violence. • Lack of training for frontline staff at the

university and at the union.

Campaign background at Sussex

Student Campaign group

Shoutback Sussex

University & Union internal changes

Union• Internal reporting processes, appropriate staff

training, communication guidelines and the induction and monitoring of sports clubs and societies

University • Frontline training, complaints process, guidance for

staff

Changes in Brighton & Hove

• Welfare officer now sits on the Brighton and Hove Sexual Violence Reference Group. Established relationships with relevant charities & groups, i.e. Survivor’s Network.

• Worked with the council & Brighton Feminist Collective to fund November’s Reclaim the Night March