First-year students of the University of Maastricht are getting a new compulsory course added to their timetable: MeToo lessons.
From this upcoming September, students will not be allowed to skip or drop out of this essential course — making the University of Maastricht the first Dutch institution to introduce mandatory attendance for a whole year group.
Lessons will cover information about sexual boundaries, sexual assault, and transgressive behaviour, reports Trouw.
The reason behind it
The decision to add this course to first years’ rosters was reached by the Executive Board of the university, which worked in collaboration with the student group, Feminists of Maastricht (FoM).
After FoM expressed strong criticism of the university for having no response to a sexual harassment complaint, the university acted. Speaking to Trouw, spokesman for Maastricht University, Koen Augustijn says, “we now think it’s time for the next step.”
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Indeed. In 2021 alone, it was revealed that almost half (46.9%) of Maastricht University students have been either sexually harassed, raped, or assaulted.
Ssh! Class is starting
While it remains unknown how the lessons will be organised, the lessons will have two clear themes: how to recognise inappropriate behaviour and how to prevent it.
The lessons will revolve around the theme of social safety, concerning issues such as sexual misconduct, sexual violence, and sexual boundaries.
🟡FEM | Social Safety Team
🗣Get to know the new UM Social Safety team!
Esther Goethart, Claire Essers, Marloes Rikhof and Katinka Bastin will discuss the topic of Social Safety, (un)desirable behaviour and how to act on it.
📅16/02 (12:00-13:00)
📲https://t.co/LtAq0UbIoX pic.twitter.com/l0UatZ8N6r— FEM – Maastricht University (@FemMaastricht) January 13, 2023
How exactly classes will be taught and handled will be further discussed in the upcoming months.
Safety on campus? We’re all here for it! 🙋
Everyone deserves to feel safe in or out of university. Please reach out to the Sexual Assault Center if you ever need help.
What do you think about introducing these lessons into the curriculum? Tell us in the comments below!
