University review after off-campus rape claim
THE University of Birmingham is reviewing its procedures amid allegations it refused to look into a student’s rape claim because it happened off campus.
A senior academic has now been asked to lead a review group to explore its conduct regulations and ensure they have remained up to date.
The review was launched after the university was criticised for its initial response to the rape allegation.
The group, which will report at the end of this year, includes three Guild of Students nominees, a spokesman confirmed.
The review comes after an undergraduate claimed she feared for her safety after an allegation of rape against a male student.
The univserity said it could not take disciplinary action against the man she accused of rape as it was alleged to have happened in privately-rented accommodation.
The university said, in a letter sent to the student, it could not deal with claims of misconduct unless they took place “during a university-related activity or on university premises”.
Alif Trevathan, a former women’s officer at Birmingham Guild of Students supported the alleged complainant.
She said: “We were aware of six similar cases in the same year.”
“Some had formally reported it or told a lecturer or a welfare tutor, and the response off the bat was ‘we can’t do anything for you.’
“They refused to acknowledge that victims were under their care, regardless of where precisely they were being assaulted, which was most commonly in their student accommodation, something arguably intrinsic to their degree.”
A spokesperson for the University of Birmingham said: “It is vital that students feel able to raise these issues and that the University can support them in making a complaint, investigating as appropriate.
“Which is why we take any concerns seriously and why we are always looking to improve our approach, working with the Guild of Students and seeking advice from qualified third parties.”