https://vu.nl/en/events/2023/symposium-social-safety
Towards a Restorative University: In the last five years, countless incidences and research reports have raised problems around social safety in academia. The academic environment is known by high competition, temporary contracts and power imbalance, which can lead to undesirable behaviour, such as (sexual) intimidation, (micro)aggression, bullying and discrimination. When interpersonal conflicts are reported, the current solution is a legal route. Dialogue, learning and prevention are often lacking. An alternative route to explore is restorative justice. Restorative justice is an alternative for criminal law with better and more sustainable outcomes for both victims and offenders. Supported by an NWO Aspasia grant, the goal is to implement restorative practices at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in relation to interpersonal conflicts. A kick off symposium will be held on 19 October 2023 to bring together staff, students and support networks to create dialogue on social safety and a restorative university climate.