Safer space guidelines for academic events
We encourage academic discussion but also ask everyone to keep their comments constructive and respectful, which contributes to a positive, encouraging and safer atmosphere at Uniarts Helsinki.
- Uniarts Helsinki is committed to promoting equity, equality, and anti-racism. Please bear this in mind when asking questions and giving comments. Harassment, misogyny, sexism, racism, ableism, homo- and transphobia, body shaming, ageism, or other forms of discrimination are not acceptable, and we will do our best to point out and react to harmful behaviour.
- Respect everyone’s physical and emotional boundaries, privacy and pronouns. Do not make assumptions of anyone’s gender, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, socioeconomic background, or any other personal matters.
- It is important that we all remember and critically reflect on our own privileges and take them into consideration when participating in discussions. This means listening to others and respecting everyone’s research topics and experiences. We also encourage everyone to be aware of the space that we are used to taking in social situations, and we should give space to other voices than our own.
- Recognise the boundaries of your knowledge, especially in areas that are not your expertise or which you do not have experience of, particularly in the context of sensitive topics.
- We are all constantly learning to become better and more empathic human beings, and we all sometimes make mistakes. If you are given critical feedback about problematic behaviour or harmful comments, we kindly ask you to take a moment to reflect on the feedback and what you could learn from it.
- In the role of event organisers, we highly value your feedback on how we could do better in the future – please do not hesitate to contact us with your comments and questions.
- Everyone participating in entrance examinations at Uniarts Helsinki must also commit to following the safer space guidelines.
If you encounter problematic behaviour, please contact the organisers of the event, either during or after the event.
These guidelines have been modelled after safer space policies created by the Feminist Culture House, The Museum of Impossible Forms and the UN association of Finland as well as the above-mentioned Academy of Fine Arts student initiative, among others.