"Umeå University has a zero tolerance for sexual harassments. No such thing may exist here. All students and members of staff must be allowed to feel safe in relationships with fellow students, teachers and managers. At the same time as it's horrible to read all these stories that women are now sharing, it's important that the academy takes part in these discussions that include society and all its entities," says Heidi Hansson, Deputy Vice-Chancellor with responsibility for education at Umeå University.
Just like other women, she bears testimony of how sexual harassment takes place in various parts of academia. At Umeå University, one to two cases of sexual harassment are reported each year, and half of these lead to some form of consequences. Although she emphasises that there are likely to be hidden statistics judging by the fact that the University has about 30,000 students and 4,000 employees.
Cases revolving sexual harassments are always complicated as one testimony is pitted against another. For cases to be handled systematically and correctly, the University has established a code of rules and procedures. Cases assessed as disciplinary ones are handled by two Councils: the University Student Disciplinary Council and the Staff Disciplinary Council.
If an investigation is showing that a student is guilty of harassments, disciplinary measures such as a warning or suspension can be used. Suspension can also lead to a student loosing its right to student finance during the suspension period. An employee who is guilty of harassment can be issued with disciplinary actions, such as warnings, a salary deduction, termination of employment or legal actions.
According to the Swedish Discrimination Act, if the University is made aware that a student or member of staff considers themself exposed to sexual harassment, the University must investigate the circumstances irrespective of a report has been submitted or not.
Certain forms of reported misdemeanours can be criminal acts and should hence also lead to prosecution. Students and employees who need support and guidance in making a report can turn to our legal officers at the Vice-Chancellor's Office.
Heidi Hansson points out that it isn't enough to have a code of rules and procedures when the damage is already done. Preventive measures also need to be put in place.
"Our systematic work environment undertakings is a way to call attention to conditions in our work environment that can affect employee and student health and safety. All managers who have work environment responsibilities should systematically scrutinise the work environment, identify risks and take measures against these," says Heidi Hansson.
One unit at Umeå University working with preventive measures aimed at students is the Student Services, for instance through offering courses and programmes, often also involving the student unions.
Ongoing at the University at the moment are discussions on the government's core values, with the aim to raise awareness among co-workers and students. There are also equal opportunities representatives at the University's departments and faculties to which employees can turn if they have questions.
Hans Adolfsson, Vice-Chancellor of Umeå University, has also been deeply touched by the discussions on sexual harassments as of late:
"Just as it is in other areas of society, it's important that higher education institutions talk about how we want to treat one another. No one should be exposed to sexual harassments. That's why we're supporting the uprising and the brave individuals who are now sharing their experiences with the world," says Hans Adolfsson.
If you want to report a sexual harassment, contact one of the legal officers at the Vice-Chancellor's Office
If you have general questions on the equal opportunities work at the University, please send an email to likavillkor@umu.se.
Read more about disciplinary measures at Umeå University
Read the Code of rules and procedures for disciplinary matters (in Swedish)
Text: Mattias Grundström Mitz
Translation: Anna Lawrence