It has to be compulsory.
Where It Started
What? Why? Where?
​At universities, students come together from diverse backgrounds and experiences, but one thing must be universal: the importance of consent. Yet, consent education is often overlooked in many institutions, leaving students vulnerable to misunderstanding boundaries and respectful relationships. That’s why we’re advocating for compulsory consent education at all universities, ensuring that every student is equipped with the knowledge and skills to foster a safe, respectful campus environment.
Consent education isn't just about preventing harm—it's about empowering students to build healthier relationships, promoting mutual respect, and creating a culture of accountability. Here’s why it’s crucial:
​
-
Preventing Sexual Misconduct: Many cases of sexual misconduct stem from a lack of understanding about consent. Comprehensive education can help prevent these incidents by teaching students about the importance of clear, affirmative, and enthusiastic consent.
​
-
Promoting Healthy Relationships: Consent is at the heart of all healthy interactions—whether they’re romantic, sexual, or even platonic. Consent education encourages open communication, respect for boundaries, and mutual trust.
​
-
Empowering Students: When students know their rights and responsibilities, they are better able to advocate for themselves and others. Understanding consent equips students with the confidence to say "no" when needed and to respect the boundaries of others.
​
-
Building a Safer Campus Culture: By making consent education compulsory, universities send a clear message that they prioritize safety, respect, and dignity for all students.
What We’re Asking For
We believe that every university has a responsibility to provide comprehensive, compulsory consent education for all students. Our campaign calls for:
​
-
Mandatory Consent Workshops: Every student should attend consent training during their first year, as part of orientation or induction programs. These workshops would cover key concepts such as active consent, boundaries, bystander intervention, and support resources.
-
Consistency: Consent education shouldn’t be a one-time event. Ongoing workshops, seminars, and discussions should be integrated into the university experience to reinforce and expand students’ understanding of consent.
-
Inclusivity and Sensitivity: Consent education should be inclusive, addressing the diverse experiences of students, including LGBTQ+ perspectives, cultural differences, and intersectionality. Everyone’s experience matters, and education should reflect that
