Even if bullying at the University is common, the question about responsibilities is fuzzy. Many of those exposed fallbetween two chairs. Said by the student safety representative, Petra Holst.
She has had the position for almost a year, but still has a feeling that bullying is more common than many think.
“At least that is what I dare say. Most of all the spreading of rumors is very common at the University,” she says.
“Primary schools have often developed anti bullying programs and places of work have trained staff, but at the University it is often unclear who has the responsibility,” she says.
“The routines are awfully weak when it comes to matters regarding work environment. Nobody really knows who is responsible.”
Should have done more
At the institutions it is the Head of the Department who is responsible for the work environment. But it is not sure that he knows how to deal with cases of bullying. Something illustrated by Kajsa’s case.
“Firstly it should have been made clear that such a behavior is not accepted, neither for the student nor for the other parties involved. Secondly there should have been a better follow up on Kajsa’s case to see if the measures taken have had any effect on her study situation. In this case they let go of the case without any bigger effort or follow up,” says Petra Holst,
Hope for the future
The work environment policy of Lund University is being reworked and will soon be sent out for comments. Petra Holst hopes that the responsibilities will be clearer after this. Until further notice she encourages students, who feel bullied, to seek help from the Head of the Department, the Union or from herself. The legal and disciplinary protection is indeed weak, but you as a victim may get other help.
“One big help is if somebody just calls you asking how you feel and how things have worked out,” says Petra Holst.
READ MORE: Bullied for over two years
Text: Sebastian Hagberg
Translation: Lars Jansson
