Statement: Student culture must be updated to the 2020’s

During the past few days, a discussion has arisen about the occurrence of sexual harassment and hate towards women in the culture of university students. Many have told their negative experiences during their studies and unfortunately, oftentimes these experiences root from the operations of student associations. The matter is serious and requires immediate action towards change.

The culture of university students must be equal and accessible for all regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation or ethnic background.

- We absolutely denounce these sorts of ideals and behavior in all student communities, says Pyry Meriluoto, the chairperson of Students of Business and Technology. - The culture of university students must be equal and accessible for all regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation or ethnic background.” Meriluoto demands.

The Students of Business and Technology remind that equality is not relative, but it has been defined in the Finnish constitutional law. No student should experience pressuring, unequal treatment, nor any type of harassment in any situation whatsoever. Discrimination, racism, violating someone’s inviolability, or harassment must never be accepted on the grounds of humor or tradition.

Now that the discussion has been opened, it is time to critically examine the events and operations of student communities in order to update them to the 2020’s.

- Traditions are important in student communities but operations can be traditional and equal at the same time, board member, Jere Liitiäinen, estimates. - Now that the discussion has been opened, it is time to critically examine the events and operations of student communities in order to update them to the 2020’s.

So far, the public discussion has included student communities primarily from universities, but that does not mean that there wouldn’t be similar problems in other student
communities. The Students of Business and Technology work hard so that every BBA-student has the opportunity to have the best study experience.

- We want to challenge every student community and association to critically examine their operations. Simultaneously, we encourage every BBA-student to bravely bring forward their possible experiences related to discrimination or harassment, says Meriluoto. - Every recognized and corrected problem creates a safer study environment for all current and future students.