On Wednesday, the University of Australia`s union issued new guidelines requiring universities to ban sexual relationship or couple relationship between mentors and doctoral or master`s students, promoting respectful relationship between teachers and students.
"We understand that when you are a graduate student writing an essay, there is an authority imbalance between you and your mentor," Catriona Jackson, president of union at the University of Australia, said in a statement. Developing a couple relationship or sexual relationship is not appropriate. These rules make it clear that if a mentor is coaching a student, then there shouldn`t be a couple between them, relationship or sexual relationship. This clearly exists in the interest of conflict. "
He says the rules are designed to protect the safety and well-being of students and staff. This rule applies to both doctoral and graduate students. Many universities have asked that if mentors and students develop relationships, they will find a substitute mentor for their students.
The policy was announced on Wednesday by the University of Australia, union, marking the first anniversary of a respectful campaign against sexual violence and sexual harassment. The guidelines warn that the forces of inequality will put students in an exploitative vulnerable position and call on universities to take immediate steps to investigate complaints. The rules will also require universities to develop policies that remove mentors from mentoring, teaching, and evaluating positions with students who keep intimate relationship with students, as well as develop alternatives.
Natasha Abrahams, co-president of Australian graduate students, welcomed this guiding principle. "these principles recognize that the success of graduate studies and research depends heavily on their mentors," Abrahams said. "We now have a consensus in the industry and it is immoral to develop relationships between mentors and students."
The University of Australia, union, Australian graduate student union and National higher Education alliance have called on universities to sign the ban voluntarily.
"it`s wise to clarify this," Labour education spokesman Tanya Plibersek told ABC television. "to my surprise, people don`t know that yet."
Last year, a survey by the Commission on Human Rights found that more than half of the students interviewed had experienced sexual harassment. In 2016
