The Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, and RNCM Students’ Union have launched a new campaign promoting zero-tolerance to sexual harassment.
RNCM Zero is a collaborative initiative between the College and the Students’ Union to set a strong example to staff, students and the wider community. The initiative aims to educate on the definition of sexual harassment, improve signposting and procedures and challenge the culture in which sexual harassment exists.
Speaking about the campaign, RNCM Principal Professor Linda Merrick commented, “The safety and welfare of our staff and students is of paramount importance, and we are proud to launch a joint campaign with our Students’ Union that not only promotes our dedication to instilling a zero-tolerance culture at the College, but ensures that we play our part in eliminating sexual harassment and bullying within our society.”
RNCM Student Union President Kathy Hart added, “I think we’re in a really exciting time at the moment where there’s a lot of positive campaigning around moving towards a zero-tolerance culture and for me this is really just a statement about looking out for each other and working together [as a society] to make sexual harassment a thing of the past. It’s a conversation about everybody – staff and students – which is why it’s so powerful as a joint campaign from both the Students’ Union and the College.”
Explaining the purpose of the campaign, RNCM SU Education Office Nina Pryce commented, “The purpose of this campaign echoes the artistic industry’s current push towards a safer, more equal and positive creative environment. Through uniting the Students’ Union and the College we can work together to challenge unacceptable behaviour and create a zero-tolerance culture in which staff and students feel safe and empowered.”
RNCM Zero is offering people the chance to show their solidarity with a range of free merchandise, social media graphics and the option to sign an external statement.
