Conference notes the ongoing prevalence of sexual harassment, abuse, and bullying in universities across Scotland, and recognises the damaging effects that these behaviours have on individuals and communities; further notes the widespread use of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) by universities in relation to incidents of sexual harassment, abuse, and bullying, which can serve to silence victims and prevent them from speaking out about their experiences.
Conference believes that the use of NDAs in these circumstances is unacceptable and serves to protect institutions rather than individuals, perpetuating a culture of impunity for perpetrators and exacerbating the trauma and harm experienced by victims.
Conference therefore calls on the Scottish Government to take urgent action to ban the use of NDAs by universities in relation to incidents of sexual harassment, abuse, and bullying, and to ensure that appropriate protections are in place for individuals who come forward with complaints.
Conference also calls for the establishment of an independent complaints process, with adequate resources and support, to investigate and address incidents of sexual harassment, abuse, and bullying in universities across Scotland.
Conference further calls on the Scottish Government to set up a survivor-led working group to investigate the process to which Scotland can ban the use of nondisclosure agreements in cases of workplace sexual assault and harassment.