Calls for an overhaul of the University of Edinburgh’s complaints process have been made by students who claim cases of sexual misconduct among both students and staff have been enabled due to the “awful” procedure. The university still employs a member of staff who was investigated over claims of sexual harassment in 2021- according to the BBC. The university has responded by saying that it takes all complaints of sexual misconduct very seriously and has processes to investigate reports thoroughly. It also acknowledges that it has a dedicated team to offer specialist advice and support to those affected.
The university’s complaints process has come under scrutiny after allegations of sexual assault on campus, issues obtaining reports, and extended waiting periods to hear the outcomes of complaints. One student, who reported being sexually assaulted on campus, indicated that they were discouraged from contacting the police as it would potentially “derail” the university’s internal investigation.
A former student made a complaint regarding a senior lecturer who made sexual comments to her after they exchanged phone numbers following an online mixer for students. The student claimed that the lecturer asked to go to her flat with alcohol before revealing that he had supposedly slept with six or seven students from another university where he had previously taught. She also claimed that he implied that she had slept with other professors from the university. Some students have said the lecturer had more limited contact with students following the investigation, but he has not been dismissed.
Organised by Kate Wilson, Kirsten Hay and Hope Conway-Gebbie, among others, a new student-led campaign is calling for an improvement in consent education and the tackling of “rape culture” on university campuses. The group also wants caseworkers who give advice through the university’s students’ association to have better training when dealing with survivors of sexual assault. The group, which hopes to set up a support network for survivors, is expected to stage protests on the issue during the coming academic year
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