Combating discrimination and harassment in higher education
Discrimination and harassment unfortunately remain a reality in French higher education. Racism, homophobia, ableism, sexism... institutions still struggle to effectively prevent these forms of violence, which severely impact victims' academic journeys. While support systems exist, such as helplines and disciplinary committees, they have many shortcomings and are often unknown to students. Fundamental reforms are therefore essential to better prevent discrimination, provide better support for victims, and firmly punish perpetrators of this violence.
Summary :
1- Overview of discrimination and harassment
2- Existing prevention and intervention mechanisms
3- Recommendations for strengthening the fight
Overview of discrimination and harassment
The main forms of discrimination
Discrimination can take many forms in higher education:
- Racial discrimination manifests itself in unfavorable treatment of certain origins. For example, candidates of North African origin are 12% less likely to receive a response to their Master's application.
- Discrimination against people with disabilities persists, despite accessibility laws. Students with disabilities represent only 2.2% of the student body.
- Sexual and gender-based discrimination, which includes sexism, sexual violence, and LGBT-phobia, manifests itself through offensive remarks, unequal treatment, and even assaults.
- Discrimination based on political opinions, physical appearance, religious beliefs, trade union activities, or disadvantaged social origin.
All these forms of discrimination undermine equal opportunities and hinder the academic progress of many students. They require active action through prevention, effective reporting mechanisms, and dissuasive disciplinary sanctions.
The extent of sexual and psychological harassment
According to the latest barometer from the Student Observatory of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Higher Education, nearly one in 20 students reports having been a victim of sexual harassment, and one in 10 reports having witnessed it. This violence persists both at festive events and in everyday life on campus.
The consequences for victims are severe. Beyond the psychological trauma, they often fear that filing a complaint will harm their studies or force them to change their field of study. Furthermore, the cost of legal proceedings is prohibitive for students with modest incomes. As a result, few dare to pursue these steps, and perpetrators act with near impunity.
The consequences for the victims
Sexist and sexual violence experienced during university studies leaves deep and lasting scars on victims. The immediate psychological impact is significant. Loss of self-confidence, feelings of shame and guilt, depression, and anxiety disorders are all common symptoms that disrupt daily life and studies.
In the longer term, these traumas have a significant impact on schooling. Difficulty concentrating, absenteeism, and declining grades are common and can lead to dropping out. Some victims are forced to change their course of study or interrupt their education. Sexual harassment thus derails promising career paths and limits equal opportunities.
The repercussions often extend into the professional sphere. Disrupted or even interrupted studies hinder job placement. Lack of confidence and post-traumatic stress can also complicate the start of a career. This long-term impact on professional prospects is a major source of harm for victims.
A genuine public health issue, the fight against violence against women and boys (VSBs) at university must be intensified, with improved support for victims. Appropriate psychological support, assistance in continuing studies, and accommodations are essential to mitigate the serious consequences of this violence on life trajectories.
Existing prevention and control measures
Listening and reporting units
Listening and reporting units play a central role in the fight against discrimination and harassment in higher education. They offer victims and witnesses a safe space to speak out and be guided towards appropriate procedures. Staffed by personnel trained in listening and support, they often constitute the first link in breaking the silence.
However, their effectiveness can be limited if they are not part of a comprehensive and proactive institutional policy. A lack of resources, unclear reporting procedures, or poor coordination with disciplinary and judicial services are all obstacles that reduce their impact. These units cannot handle all situations on their own.
Despite these limitations, listening services remain essential. Combined with other measures such as prevention, training, and proactive disciplinary procedures, they help to encourage open communication and create a safer learning environment. They play a pivotal role between victims and the institution, and contribute to the gradual shift in attitudes. Their widespread implementation in all institutions sends a strong signal of the priority given to these crucial issues.
Awareness training
Several types of training are offered to raise awareness among students and staff about issues of discrimination and harassment:
- Mandatory modules integrated into student curricula address concepts such as consent, sexist behavior, sexual violence, and available legal recourse. Practical exercises facilitate concrete awareness-raising.
- Occasional workshops led by specialist associations are open to all upon registration. Role-playing, personal accounts, and discussions help participants understand these phenomena and respond appropriately.
- Sessions are offered for supervisory staff and teachers to improve their ability to identify, listen to, and guide victims. Emphasis is placed on providing a supportive environment and respecting students' accounts.
- Information campaigns using posters, guides, and events will remind people of the law, useful contacts, and support services. The goal is to encourage open discussion and change attitudes.
Disciplinary procedures
Higher education institutions have a legal obligation to implement disciplinary procedures to address discrimination and harassment. According to the education code, a disciplinary committee must be established within each university to investigate misconduct by students and staff.
However, the current operation of these disciplinary sections has many flaws that limit their effectiveness. The procedure is not always accessible to victims, the composition of the sections can lack impartiality, and the sanctions imposed are sometimes too lenient in relation to the harm suffered.
Despite these limitations, disciplinary procedures remain an essential regulatory tool within institutions. Combined with reporting mechanisms, victim support, and prevention programs, they contribute to creating a safer and more equitable learning and working environment for all. Improving these procedures is a priority for strengthening the fight against all forms of violence and discrimination in higher education.
Recommendations to strengthen the fight
Improve reporting and support
Despite existing mechanisms, reporting gender-based and sexual violence remains a difficult process for victims in higher education. Fear of reprisals against their studies, a lack of awareness of procedures, and their limited accessibility still discourage far too many students from reporting this violence.
To overcome these obstacles, it is essential to raise awareness of support services through regular and widespread information campaigns targeting students. Training for staff must also be expanded to ensure a supportive and high-quality approach for victims, from the initial disclosure of abuse to the filing of a complaint.
The handling of reports could also be improved by clarifying the relationship between internal disciplinary procedures and criminal prosecutions. Protecting victims must be the absolute priority, by quickly taking precautionary measures to remove those involved.
Finally, ongoing psychological support for victims, even without a formal complaint, is crucial. Breaking the silence is a first step; rebuilding victims' lives over the long term must be the sustained commitment of institutions.
Strengthen prevention and awareness
To effectively combat discrimination and harassment, it is essential to focus on prevention through innovative and impactful awareness campaigns. Hard-hitting campaigns, based on powerful testimonies from victims, would lead to a genuine understanding of the seriousness of this violence.
The widespread implementation of mandatory training for all students, starting in their first year, also appears essential. Using concrete scenarios and immersive role-playing exercises, these modules would help young people better understand the mechanisms of gender-based violence and adopt appropriate responses, whether they are victims or witnesses. Involving students themselves in the design and delivery of this training would amplify its impact.
Toughen the sanctions
Current disciplinary sanctions for harassment or discrimination in higher education often lack firmness and are applied too inconsistently. This relative impunity fails to effectively deter abusive behavior and does not provide fair redress for victims.
Stricter sanctions are essential to clearly demonstrate the institution's rejection of this violence. Perpetrators of harassment, once the facts are proven, must be systematically sanctioned with temporary or permanent exclusion. For staff members, dismissal should be applied in the most serious cases. Only a firm and consistent disciplinary policy will allow for a lasting reduction of this violence.
Involve the entire community
The fight against discrimination and harassment in higher education cannot be effective without strong involvement from the entire university community. Students, teaching and administrative staff, as well as management teams, all have a key role to play in bringing about lasting changes in attitudes and practices.
A key first step is raising awareness among students from the moment they enter university. Mandatory modules on gender-based violence, consent, and available legal recourse in cases of harassment would raise awareness of problematic behaviors. By involving students themselves in the design and delivery of these training sessions, particularly through student associations, their impact would be significantly amplified.
From the staff perspective, it is crucial to train supervisors and teachers to identify problematic situations, to listen empathetically to victims, and to refer them to support services. Constant vigilance and unwavering exemplary conduct from all teams are essential to breaking the code of silence.
Finally, the strong and visible commitment of the leadership teams is a crucial signal. Through public statements, the creation of independent support units, and proactive disciplinary procedures, they send the message of zero tolerance for this violence. A proactive policy from the institution, involving the entire community, is key to ensuring that the university remains the place of empowerment and self-development it should be for everyone.
Combating discrimination and harassment in higher education requires the mobilization of the entire university community. To effectively prevent such violence, institutions must conduct extensive awareness campaigns for students upon their arrival, train their staff in identifying and listening to incidents, and adopt a proactive zero-tolerance policy. Clear reporting and disciplinary procedures must be established and communicated so that the university remains the place of empowerment and self-development it should be for all. By simplifying application and admission procedures, Emundus allows institutions to refocus on these crucial issues of inclusion and equality within their community.
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