Improper behaviour common at camps

An independent review into secondyear law camps at the University of Otago has found drunken and sexualised behaviour was commonplace and associated with activities that were ingrained traditions.

However, the camps will not be cancelled.

Dean of Law Professor Jessica Palmer and pro vice-chancellor for humanities Professor Tony Ballantyne say they intended to work with students to lead future events, and believe it is feasible for the camps to be run safely.

The annual camps are organised by the Society of Otago University Law Students (Souls). All second-year students are invited.

This year’s camp was cancelled after allegations of inappropriate behaviour made headlines.

The review, by Dunedin barrister David Sim, was released yesterday and described the camps as “a deeply disturbing and unpleasant experience” for at least some students.

Drunken behaviour Sim established took place included “court sessions” involving drinking as a punishment for transgressions, and giving male students spirits before a “miss natural justice” competition which involved doing a striptease.

Sexualised behaviours listed included a female student performing a striptease to her underwear, a skit involving a topless woman lying on a male student doing press ups, and a talent show with topless women and men stripping to their underwear.

There was also mention of a 2015 camp where a male student sat on a chair and a female student “danced suggestively on his lap”.

There was evidence of peer pressure, including “that some second year students were persuaded, and even pressured, to take part in activities in which they did not want to participate”.

A statement released by the university yesterday with the review said no criminal behaviour had taken place at the camps, but measures had “not been sufficient to manage culture and ensure safety for all”.

However, student feedback had not been all negative.

“Six students with experience of camps from 2011 to 2017 came forward with concerns. At the same time, a large number of other students reported having had a positive experience,” the university said.

Souls said in a statement a number of changes were scheduled for the 2018 camp before its cancellation, including ensuring each group had a female and a male leader, requiring leaders to be sober, and having a clear expectation there was no nudity during the camp.

Souls has tried to get feedback surrounding the camps from all law students, and an overwhelming majority of respondents said that they would like to see a law camp in 2019.”