BACK-TO-SCHOOL 2021 : NEW SYSTEM TO FIGHT AGAINST SEXUAL AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
Following on from the report issued on 4 May by the commission chaired by Danièle Hervieu-Léger, Sciences Po is introducing a new system for combating Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) from the start of the 2021 academic year. The new measures include an overhaul of the listening and support system, a reform of disciplinary procedures and increased awareness among all members of the community.
A campus-wide mechanism to support survivors
Sciences Po has implemented a campus-wide mechanism for reporting incidents and providing help and guidance. Free of charge and open to all members of Sciences Po’s communities (students, faculty, researchers and staff), this mechanism consists of:
In addition, Sciences Po ensures that all students who have experienced SGBV receive support that is adapted to their situation specifically, including curriculum adjustments, social or financial assistance and psychological support.
> More information about the support mechanism
Systematic triggering of an independent investigation
Every report of SGBV systematically triggers an internal investigation led by a specialised structure, the Preliminary Internal Investigation Unit (CEIP), chaired by an external appointee (a magistrate of the judicial or administrative order). The role of this independent unit is to establish the facts of the incident in question, in strict adherence to the principles of the presumption of innocence and Audi alteram partem.
When the investigation is complete, the CEIP produces a report and submits its recommendations to Sciences Po’s senior management team. On the basis of these recommendations, the President of Sciences Po decides whether or not to refer the case to the relevant disciplinary body.
> More information on the disciplinary procedure and sanctions
Building a culture of equality and respect
From September 2021, as part of a comprehensive awareness strategy, members of all Sciences Po’s communities (students, faculty and staff) will receive training courses on consent and on the sanctions imposable for SGBV..
For students, the 1.5-hour training module, facilitated by the organization VSS Formation, aims :
- to raise awareness about Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and harassment
- to help identify SGBV and/or discrimination
- to enable the participants to know their recourses if they are victims or witnesses of SGBV
Sciences Po’s prevention and control measures target high-risk situations, particularly in relation to student life:
An awareness-raising campaign entitled NO MORE, aimed primarily at the student public, gives visibility to the various actions, focusing on zero tolerance and the culture of respect. This campaign (see appendix below) is also being launched at this start of the academic year.
About Sciences Po
Founded in 1872, Sciences Po is France’s leading research university in the social sciences. Sciences Po offers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate and executive education levels, and developed 42 dual degree programmes with its network of 470 partner universities.
Today, half of Sciences Po’s 13,000 students are international and represent 150 nationalities. Education at Sciences Po is multidisciplinary, multilingual and outward looking. It also places great emphasis on professional exposure. Following completion of their degree, 80% of the graduates are hired within six months of graduation and 39% start their career abroad. Sciences Po holds a high standard of social responsibility, and plays a pioneering role in the promotion of diversity and equal opportunity in higher education. Sciences Po has an array of financial aid for students of all origins and 26% of the student body hold a scholarship. For more information on Sciences Po: www.sciencespo.fr/en
Media contacts
Sciences Po: Marie Frocrain, marie.frocrain@sciencespo.fr, tel. +33 (0)1 49 54 37 71
APPENDIX – NO MORE campaign
A campus-wide mechanism to support survivors
Sciences Po has implemented a campus-wide mechanism for reporting incidents and providing help and guidance. Free of charge and open to all members of Sciences Po’s communities (students, faculty, researchers and staff), this mechanism consists of:
- SGBV Specialist Nurses present on every campus. The SGBV Specialist Nurses provide a primary, confidential point of contact for survivors and witnesses. They inform and advise.
- A new external listening and support service run by France Victimes. This confidential service is managed by professional staff external to Sciences Po, who classify the incident and provide legal, psychological and social assistance.
- The institution’s appointed SGBV Officer: the SGBV Officer receives reports and systematically refers them to the Preliminary Internal Investigation Unit (CEIP). He/she oversees the provision of support to survivors and informs them regarding the status of investigations into their report.
In addition, Sciences Po ensures that all students who have experienced SGBV receive support that is adapted to their situation specifically, including curriculum adjustments, social or financial assistance and psychological support.
> More information about the support mechanism
Systematic triggering of an independent investigation
Every report of SGBV systematically triggers an internal investigation led by a specialised structure, the Preliminary Internal Investigation Unit (CEIP), chaired by an external appointee (a magistrate of the judicial or administrative order). The role of this independent unit is to establish the facts of the incident in question, in strict adherence to the principles of the presumption of innocence and Audi alteram partem.
When the investigation is complete, the CEIP produces a report and submits its recommendations to Sciences Po’s senior management team. On the basis of these recommendations, the President of Sciences Po decides whether or not to refer the case to the relevant disciplinary body.
> More information on the disciplinary procedure and sanctions
Building a culture of equality and respect
From September 2021, as part of a comprehensive awareness strategy, members of all Sciences Po’s communities (students, faculty and staff) will receive training courses on consent and on the sanctions imposable for SGBV..
For students, the 1.5-hour training module, facilitated by the organization VSS Formation, aims :
- to raise awareness about Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and harassment
- to help identify SGBV and/or discrimination
- to enable the participants to know their recourses if they are victims or witnesses of SGBV
Sciences Po’s prevention and control measures target high-risk situations, particularly in relation to student life:
- Organisers of events hosted outside of Sciences Po must take every necessary precaution to protect the physical and moral integrity of participants (cf. updated Regulations on Student Life, PDF 51 Ko).
- A prior declaration is now compulsory for all social events gathering more than 20 students.
- All student association representatives on every campus must attend core training on SGBV, reducing risks in social settings and combatting discrimination.
An awareness-raising campaign entitled NO MORE, aimed primarily at the student public, gives visibility to the various actions, focusing on zero tolerance and the culture of respect. This campaign (see appendix below) is also being launched at this start of the academic year.
About Sciences Po
Founded in 1872, Sciences Po is France’s leading research university in the social sciences. Sciences Po offers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate and executive education levels, and developed 42 dual degree programmes with its network of 470 partner universities.
Today, half of Sciences Po’s 13,000 students are international and represent 150 nationalities. Education at Sciences Po is multidisciplinary, multilingual and outward looking. It also places great emphasis on professional exposure. Following completion of their degree, 80% of the graduates are hired within six months of graduation and 39% start their career abroad. Sciences Po holds a high standard of social responsibility, and plays a pioneering role in the promotion of diversity and equal opportunity in higher education. Sciences Po has an array of financial aid for students of all origins and 26% of the student body hold a scholarship. For more information on Sciences Po: www.sciencespo.fr/en
Media contacts
Sciences Po: Marie Frocrain, marie.frocrain@sciencespo.fr, tel. +33 (0)1 49 54 37 71
APPENDIX – NO MORE campaign
