Ministry and Universities Denmark agree on new anti-harassment policy

Four principles are at the centre of a new anti-harassment policy for Danish universities, which was published this week. With this policy, the Ministry of Higher Education and Science and Universities Denmark emphasise that the safety of students and employees is paramount to the universities’ work and mission. This clarification comes in the wake of a series of events that have taken place at Danish universities following the terrorist attack on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza.

The principles state that students and staff must contribute to ensuring that the Danish university community – comprising thousands of employees and students across the country –is a safe place for everyone to work and study.

The policy is an extension of Aarhus University’s 2022 declaration on freedom of expression as well as existing codes of conduct for students. 

“Open debate is a cornerstone of the university. It is essential that we can express our views and listen to opposing opinions. As stated in our declaration on freedom of expression, all members of the university community have a responsibility to contribute to a culture of civility,” says Rector Brian Bech Nielsen.

“I believe that protecting our minority groups is a fundamental part of a healthy society and a healthy university. There should be no doubt that each of us, both individually and as a community, has a responsibility to act considerately and demonstrate decency and respect,” he adds, referring to Aarhus University’s code of conduct, which stipulates that threatening, intimidating, or abusive behaviour towards other students or staff will be considered a breach of this code.

The principles in the policy also state that there should be clear procedures in place for students who experience harassment, so that they know how to get help. At Aarhus University, student counsellors are the first point of contact for students who have concerns about their safety on campus.

Efforts will now be made to ensure that students can contact student counsellors as easily as possible – and that they are aware of this confidential service. Other possible measures to ensure a safe study environment for students will also be investigated.

• Read the new anti-harassment policy (on the Ministry’s website – in Danish only)
• See AU’s declaration on freedom of expression
• See AU’s code of conduct
• See AU’s webpages for guidance on what to do if you experience offensive behaviour or harassment (for students)
• See AU’s webpages for guidance on what to do if you experience offensive behaviour or harassment (for staff)