Legislative chamber wants MeToo lessons during introduction weeks for students
Students should be educated about sexual transgressive behavior during induction weeks, the Lower House believes. Staff members should also receive training.
This is according to a motion by the PvdA, adopted by a large majority in the Lower House on Tuesday. According to the motion, the government should explore “how the education of students and staff about sexually transgressive behavior can be embedded during induction weeks and in the curricula of all higher education institutions.”
As a good example, the motion refers to Maastricht University, which will conduct MeToo classes in the coming academic year. During induction weeks, first-year students there will be educated about sexually transgressive behavior. According to the motion, this is “crucial for establishing standards of behavior.”
Parties from left to right believe it is a good idea to investigate this possibility. Only PVV, FvD, JA21, and Pieter Omtzigt voted against it.
Curricula
When the motion was introduced last week, Education Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf said the Maastricht example appealed to him. In that sense, he could endorse “the idea behind the motion.” He is already pursuing policies in this direction, he said.
For example, he supports the “equal play” educational project of the Rutgers expertise center, which provides study associations and students with free workshops on sexuality during the upcoming induction weeks.
But should the government mandate such education? According to the minister, that would violate academic freedom, however, he did not want to censure the motion “if you allow me to carry out this motion in another way by entering into talks with the institutions and highlighting this initiative.” PvdA MP Songül Mutluer could live with that.
More education
Research by Amnesty International shows that one in 10 female students is raped during their college years. After a series of high-profile incidents at student unions, the unions have committed, at least on paper, to preventing sexually transgressive behavior. Boards are facilitating workshops and courses.
In June, Dijkgraaf pledged additional millions of euros to improving social safety at universities and colleges.
