NUS committee on sexual misconduct to propose recommendations by mid-May
SINGAPORE — The National University of Singapore (NUS) review committee on sexual misconduct is set to announce by mid-May its first proposed recommendations on improving its disciplinary framework, support system for victims and approach to campus safety.
These recommendations will be ready for consultation with the student body, and the committee aims to have to full recommendations in place by mid-June.
The review committee was convened in the light of recent criticism over the university’s handling of sexual misconduct cases, sparked by undergraduate Monica Baey’s call on social media for tougher action against a male student who had videoed her taking a shower.
‘Transparent and consultative’ process promised
In an emailed statement sent via NUS Alumni Relations on Wednesday (1 May), committee chairman Kay Kuok said that the committee will have a “transparent and consultative” process that will involve engagement with the NUS community.
She added in the statement: “We have resolved to consult broadly, including with students at NUS, and experts at NUS and other institutions and organisations, to ensure that changes made reflect global best practices and the needs and expectations of our whole community. Along the way, the Committee will provide updates of our work.
“The Committee understands the importance and urgency of our work, but we also need to ensure we conduct a proper, thorough, consultative review that must be robust and sustainable for the long term, establishing a new system that the entire NUS community can stand behind.”
More student representation on committee
The review committee has also added student representation, in addition to the representative from the NUS Students’ Union, deputy student life secretary Richard Wang.
Murni Marisa Mahat, graduate fellow from Tembusu College, and Tay Pei Ling, president of the Junior Common Room Committee of King Edward VII Hall, are the new additions to the committee which includes Kuok (NUS board of trustees member), NUS President Tan Eng Chye and Singapore Management University president Lily Kong.
Kuok also mentioned in the statement that NUS is making progress on measures to enhance physical security in halls and residences across its campuses. The NUS Provost will provide detailed updates in the coming days.
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