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AAU introduces anti-harassment rules to ensure a continued safe, inclusive university environment

Nyhed

AAU introduces anti-harassment rules to ensure a continued safe, inclusive university environment

Lagt online: 26.06.2025

Aalborg University (AAU) is introducing a set of anti-harassment rules to make it clear to staff and students what is acceptable at the university – especially in situations where political agendas give rise to strong opinions, heated discussions and activism on campus.

Nyhed

AAU introduces anti-harassment rules to ensure a continued safe, inclusive university environment

Lagt online: 26.06.2025

Aalborg University (AAU) is introducing a set of anti-harassment rules to make it clear to staff and students what is acceptable at the university – especially in situations where political agendas give rise to strong opinions, heated discussions and activism on campus.

By Signe Tørnqvist Halvorsen, AAU Communication and Public Affairs
Photo: AAU

During 2024, several universities in Europe and North America experienced widespread student and staff demonstrations in response to increasing world conflicts. In some places, it developed into long-term occupations of university campuses, vandalism and discriminatory statements and behaviour.

Against this backdrop, Universities Denmark and the Ministry of Higher Education and Science published an anti-harassment policy (in Danish) in November 2024 that emphasizes that harassment, insecurity and conflict are not compatible with the culture and academic traditions that are highly valued at Danish universities. 

AAU's new anti-harassment rules originate from and are based on Universities Denmark and the Ministry of Higher Education and Science's principles for an anti-harassment policy.

Everyone should feel safe at AAU

As a knowledge- and culture-bearing institution, AAU is based on a democratic culture that calls for critical questions, freedom of expression and participation in the public debate.

However, certain incidents in the past year in Europe and North America have been of such a serious and unsettling nature that senior management at AAU found it necessary to revisit the security measures at AAU and to address the handling of demonstrations and hate actions – in the event that similar situations should arise at AAU.

"At AAU, we protect freedom of expression. This means that staff and students have the right and are allowed to express their opinions. But this must be done in a respectful and objective manner, and it must always be safe to be at AAU, regardless of background or political beliefs," says Søren Lind Christiansen, University Director. 

"We are therefore introducing a set of anti-harassment rules that will make it clear to students and staff what is acceptable at AAU if world conflicts give rise to demonstrations or activism among AAU's staff and students. It is crucial that we can continue to ensure an inclusive, safe and secure university environment for everyone," states Søren Lind Christiansen, University Director.

It must always be safe to be at AAU, regardless of background or political beliefs.

Søren Lind Christiansen, University Director

The purpose of AAU's anti-harassment rules is to compile and clarify the university's existing guidelines for both staff and students. At the same time, the rules are intended to help those who have experienced or witnessed offensive behaviour or harassment – by clarifying where and how to seek assistance and guidance.

With the set of rules, AAU wants to contribute to a continued safe and respectful work and study environment for everyone – including particularly vulnerable groups. At the same time, the rules must support that any activism on campus takes place in a safe and responsible manner.

Translated by LeeAnn Iovanni, AAU Communication and Public Affairs

AAU's anti-harassment rules

  1. All political expression must take place with respect for other students and staff and comply with AAU's disciplinary rules for students, rules for employees' freedom of expression and the laws of the country. No cause or agenda justifies harassment, smears, intimidating behaviour or vandalism. We are to participate in the debate with objectivity and dignity, and express ourselves peacefully and in a non-defamatory way, regardless of whether this is orally or in writing on banners, posters or the like.
  2. Everyone should be able to study, work and live life at AAU safely, regardless of their background or political beliefs. It is important to pay special attention to groups that can be personally affected by current political discussions or conflicts.

  3. Students and staff must not block access to AAU buildings and premises or in any other way obstruct teaching, administration, management and research activities.

  4. Students and staff are obliged to carry out demonstrations in a safe manner and in accordance with the university's fire and emergency plans. In order for AAU to assist in facilitating a safe event, you are expected to report demonstrations to Campus Service at least 24 hours before the event. In addition, you must be aware of and follow police rules for reporting demonstrations. 

Violation of AAU's anti-harassment rules by students will be treated as a disciplinary case that may result in sanction. For employees, a violation may result in consequences in terms of employment law (cf. the rule on expectations of employees' behaviour in relation to offensive actions).

The anti-harassment rules are part of AAU's other work on recognizing diversity through AAU's Code of Conduct for students. The Code of Conduct is part of the students' study start, and the departments regularly include it in their work to ensure an inclusive study environment.

All students who have experienced harassment or offensive behaviour are encouraged to contact AAU's Student Guidance here. This is regardless of who the offending party is and whether the nature of the violation is physical or digital. The same applies to employees who can find AAU's procedure for offensive behaviour here. Non-employed PhD students can contact the doctoral schools at ENGINEERING, HEALTH, TECH and SSH.

Campus Service expects notification of demonstrations to be sent to their shared mailbox. Police guidelines for reporting demonstrations (in Danish) can be found here.

The rules were formulated in January 2025 by the Rectorate in collaboration with HR and Study Service. In March 2025, the rules were first reviewed by the Rector's Office, followed by a broad comment period in all Shared Services units, faculties, the Study Environment Council and the Main Joint Consultation Committee. The Executive Management reviewed and approved AAU's anti-harassment rules at its meeting on 4 June 2025.

Learn more about AAU's anti-harassment rules in the AAU Handbook.