On May 7, a motion on harmful language in teaching was deliberated in the third and final Union Assembly of the academic year.
The proposal seeks to establish guidelines for lecturers, teaching assistants and tutors on using slurs, triggering topics, and insensitive language.
The motion responds to student’s complaints about potentially “outdated” and “discriminatory” language being used in academic settings.
Student turnout was low, with those in attendance putting this down to it being exam season.
The amendment proposer introduced the policy, supported by Humanities Officer Katie Jackson. Creating a safe space for marginalised students was outlined as the purpose of the policy.
Citing the existing work being piloted in the Sociology faculty, the new policy would aim to provide lecturers and tutors with language guidelines. This would include guidance on slurs, sensitive topics and trigger warnings.
Whilst guidelines do already exist, the proposal suggests that these need to be updated and advertised more to faculties.
The Students’ Unions main role, if the policy passes, would be to lobby the University to create new guidelines and ensure they are adhered to.
There was discussion of concerns surrounding the 1988 Education Act, which gives academics freedom of speech, but this was resolved with the suggestion of a set of procedures like content warnings.
Everyone in discussion seemed in agreement on potential changes or issues with the policy.
Questions were provided for discussion groups before time was given for participants to propose amendments.
The first amendment discussed was a title change, proposing changing the name from ‘Harmful Language Guidelines for Teaching’ to ‘Language Guidelines to Prevent Harm in Teaching Spaces’.
This was followed with an amendment to ensure that there was a faculty based process of logging complaints.
Amendment three focused on mediation guidelines for instances where students feel guidelines are being breached.
All the amendments passed with seven votes each.
Union Assembly policies require at least 500 votes to pass, along with a majority.
The full policy can read on the Students’ Union website.
Voting opened on May 14 and closes at 3pm on Monday May 19.
