UNE > News and Events > Browse by article > UNE takes strong stance against homophobia and bullying

Next Teachers gather for assessment summit December 13, 2005  

Previous UNE supports elite athletes December 9, 2005 

UNE takes strong stance against homophobia and bullying

December 12, 2005

Kristin Adair, Professor Ingrid Moses and Dr Rhonda ForrestThe University of New England has renewed its commitment to tackling bullying and homophobia through the launch of two initiatives at Booloominbah on Tuesday afternoon.

The Dignity and Respect in the Workplace Charter aimed at combating bullying and the establishment of an Ally Network to create awareness and equity for the university’s homosexual community were the two initiatives introduced to the 60-plus people in attendance.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Ingrid Moses, who put the Dignity and Respect in the Workplace Charter into motion by being the first to sign the document, also attended the launch, which included speeches by Catherine McConaghy and Don Hine.

The Ally Network initiative relates to both students and staff of the university, with the basic concept being that a student or staff who is informed about and sensitive toward issues affecting gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) staff and students identify themself as an Ally and use this role to affirm the experience and rights of GLBTI people.

UNE’s Senior Equity Officer Lyn Tucker believes that the Ally Network is a positive step for the workplace relations of the university.

“We know that there’s a high suicide rate for young gays and lesbians,” Ms Tucker said.

“UNE, particularly in its role as a regional university where minorities can feel isolated, needs to be inclusive and welcoming. I believe that the Ally network, which has already been successfully implemented in the United States as well as Australian universities including UWA, UQ, and ANU, is a step in the right direction.”

Ms Tucker is also pleased about the launch of the Dignity and Respect in the Workplace Charter, which seeks to stamp out bullying through education and legislation.

The charter starts by defining bullying and then clarifies the definition by defining a number of key terms within it. “Repeated”, “unreasonable behaviour”, “behaviour”, and “risk to health and safety” are among the terms expanded upon sending out a clear message that bullying has a definable line and if it is crossed the offender will be dealt with.

The Charter also outlines types of bullying behaviour and managerial actions to be taken when bullying occurs.

This clear and definable literature is a step that Ms Tucker believes will have an impact on people who may be ‘workplace bullies’ without even knowing it.

“People are very busy at work and communication can suffer,” Ms Tucker said.

“This can very easily lead to people not treating each other courteously.”

“The important thing that this document does is outline what constitutes bullying and provides a legislative base for managers to draw on.”

Posters that contain the literature for the charter are set to be distributed around the university via OH&S work groups.

“I would encourage all managers and staff to sign and display the charter,” Ms Tucker said.

For more information contact Lyn Tucker on (02) 6773 3242 or Leon Braun (UNE Public Relations) on (02) 6773 3771.

Pictured: HR Director Kristin Adair, Vice-Chancellor Professor Ingrid Moses and NTEU Branch President Dr Rhonda Forrest sign the Dignity and Respect in the Workplace Charter.

Posted by Ben Glover at December 12, 2005 02:34 PM