Why is Zero Tolerance important?

Zero Tolerance is fighting against a deeply ingrained culture, one that is commonly accepted amongst many of us.

There is a culture of tolerance, that a grope or demeaning comment is just a joke, and because it only feels like it happens to you, you don't want to make a fuss; that each incident is in isolation. In truth, this is happening all the time all around us - and we need to stand up to it together and stamp out the culture of tolerance. If it makes you feel uncomfortable, it is not ok.

Zero Tolerance Logo

It's not just about you - it's about keeping your friends, your family, your housemates and even your acquaintances safe and respected.

You've heard of the Broken Windows Theory? When a building gets a broken window, and nobody fixes it, boards it up or replaces it, more broken windows appear. The building becomes derelict, as more and more people comfortably take liberties at wrecking it. However, if the window is repaired straight away, the building remains immaculate. Nobody takes liberty with that.

That, my friends, is the Zero Tolerance approach.

In our SU this approach is being applied to racism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism and sexual harassment. Just like the building in the Broken Windows Theory, any unnacceptable behaviour will be dealt with quickly and efficiently. Even a seemingly small incident will be taken seriously and acted upon by security. This isn't to stop you from having a good time - no, it's to make sure you have a great time, so you have somewhere incredible to go out and that no matter what happens, you will be safe.

It's to create a place that lives up to the name - a Union for Students.

Because that's what we're here to do; to represent you, fight for you, support you, encourage you. University isn't just about getting a degree - it's about learning to live with people, learning to look after yourself and to keep on top of studying, finding out who you are, and what you stand for. You do this through societies and sports, through volunteering, essays, revision, part-time work, commuting and staying in touch with your folks back home. You pick up a great many skills here, not in the least how to get along with all kinds of people and show them the respect they deserve.

So Zero Tolerance isn't just about protecting and supporting other people - it's to support you, the friends you make here and the people you care about; because nobody deserves any less.

If you want to find out more about getting involved in the SU, you can turn up to our General Meetings (GM) which are every third Tuesday, or get involved in the Inclusion & Representation (I&R) Senate which meets next on Thursday the 18th, 6pm, Rialto.