Last Updated: Mar 22, 2024
Safer Spaces Policy
Acknowledgement of Country
The ANU BIPOC Department acknowledges the traditional lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people on which we operate and live on. We acknowledge this land is stolen and that sovereignty was never ceded. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging. We highlight the importance of prioritising First Nation Peoples' voices and support the ANU Indigenous Department in pursuing an autonomous space on campus for First Nation students. Decolonising is an integral step towards making any space safe and the BIPOC Department acknowledges the need to challenge and transform the colonial structures it operates within.
Other Acknowledgements
This Safer Spaces Policy is adapted from the ANU Women’s Department Safer Spaces Policy, ANU Queer* Department Safer Spaces Policy and ANU Disabilities Student Association Safer Spaces Policy.
Interpretation
"ANUSA" refers to the "The Australian National University Students' Association"
A student enrolled in a unit or program of study for an Undergraduate, Postgraduate Coursework or Higher Research Degree at the Australian National University.
Bla(c)k, Indigenous and People of Colour refers to all students who self-identify as a member of one or more of these groups. This definition includes but is not strictly limited to: mixed-race or multi-racial people, people who are white-passing (i.e. are perceived to be white due to skin colour and other identifying features) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
The BIPOC Base is an autonomous physical safe space for students who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Colour (BIPOC).
Any individual who identifies as BIPOC (Bla(c)k, Indigenous, or a Person of Colour) and is an ANU Student automatically gains membership to the BIPOC Department as a BIPOC Department collective member.
An individual who holds an elected position under the BIPOC Department constitution. These positions are defined, and their responsibilities are outlined in the BIPOC Department’s Constitution.
Designated Person(s) include the Officer, other BIPOC Department Executive Members, or any other persons who have been assigned this role. There will be a Designated Person at every official BIPOC Department event, and they will make themselves known to everyone at the start of the event. Where a Designated Person is not immediately physically present, you should contact the Officer or other BIPOC Department Executive Members.
BIPOC Officer: sa.bipoc@anu.edu.au
Other BIPOC Department Executive Members: anubipocdept@gmail.com
Online Spaces are social media pages/groups such as our Facebook and Instagram pages, and any other digital online platforms where the BIPOC Department members engage in discussions or share information.
Spaces encompass the designated physical safe space, BIPOC Base, on-campus and off-campus events the BIPOC Department organises, and Online Spaces.
"SSP" refers to the "Safer Spaces Policy"
Preface
The BIPOC Department strives to create a community of inclusivity, respect and belonging for all BIPOC students at the ANU. We are committed to providing a space for students to feel safe in their identity and advocating for the experience of BIPOC students on campus. Our SSP reflects this goal, and accordingly, the BIPOC Base, all ANU BIPOC Department events, and our Online Spaces are subject to this SSP. It is expected that you will act respectfully towards every person you encounter within the spaces mentioned. As such, we have a SSP aimed at developing and maintaining a safer space culture founded upon mutual respect and a commitment to learning and growing as individuals and as a community.
We use the language of Safer Spaces because we believe that spaces are not safe simply because we designate them as such - simply calling a space ‘safe’ does not inherently mean it is a space for students to feel free to be themselves without fear of judgement or discrimination. A safe space is one that is actively maintained by the community – it’s a goal that requires constant and unceasing effort.
This SSP is purposefully not an exhaustive one. It does not address all possible situations but is a set of principles that provide guidance on acceptable and unacceptable behaviour within our spaces. As such, trying to subvert the rules on a technicality will not stop any member who breaches the general principles.
Principles
By entering our Safer Spaces, you agree to:
You recognise that each of us have a unique set of ideas and experiences within our social and cultural contexts, and that world views are formed by these complex backgrounds.
Speak only for yourself rather than claiming to speak for any groups you may or may not identify with.
Do not judge or outright dismiss the views of others. Practice empathy and imagination when talking to others and maintain respect in cases of disagreement.
This includes providing content warnings before discussing distressing topics (e.g. discussions of violence, drugs, assault, sexual content, etc.) and ensuring others have the time and ability to act on those warnings. (An example, “CW: Hate Speech”).
Topics and actions that promote risky or unsafe behaviours must be avoided.
Asking for explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing personal boundaries.
Respect individual's right to self-identification and to define their own experiences. Do not question anyone’s identity based on their perceived appearance. Questioning a person's right to be a part of our collective is damaging as each individual must feel secure in expressing their identity without fear of scrutiny. This includes respecting identities you are not familiar with.
Do not engage in any behaviour or speech that is ableist, racist, sexist, ageist, transphobic, homophobic, queerphobic, sizeist, classist, colourist, Islamophobic or antisemitic.
Critiques should be aimed at being constructive, rather than victimising specific individuals.
Respect people’s right to privacy and self-identification. Do not disclose another person’s information and identity without their permission. It is an individual’s right to self-identify within the group and that identification to remain within the group.
Autonomy is when a space is intentionally designed for a specific group to provide them with a safe space. For example, autonomous BIPOC events can only be attended by individuals identifying as BIPOC.
Only attend events that are relevant to your identity or your questioning identity.
An active bystander is one who not only recognises and acknowledges inappropriate conduct but also takes decisive action to intervene and support those who may be affected. It is our collective responsibility to speak up against discrimination, harassment, or any breach of this SSP.
If you witness someone being targeted, offer your support. Approach them privately, check in on their well-being, and let them know they are not alone. Your solidarity can make a significant difference.
Intervene doesn't always mean directly confronting the person causing harm. You can use various approaches, such as redirecting the conversation, or distracting the person causing harm.
If you feel uncomfortable addressing the situation alone, seek assistance from others. Enlist the support of friends, other BIPOC members, or Designated Person(s).
This SSP is not an exhaustive list of every single guideline people are expected to respect and follow. As such, there are going to be times when each of us makes mistakes. These mistakes are opportunities to learn from each other and grow as individuals and as a community. Below, you’ll find our dispute resolution procedure and the moderation processes when the SSP is breached.
Serious Threat to Health, Safety and Well-being
A serious threat to health, safety or well-being includes any conduct that may seriously harm the well-being of any person in the safe space or the integrity of the safe space. This includes abusive conduct (such as screaming or shouting), assault, sexual assault, trespass, destruction of property and other forms of criminal conduct.
In the event of a serious threat to health, safety or well-being by any person in the safe space the Designated Person(s) or any other person in the safe space or event may take immediate action to restore safety such as calling police and ANU security.
Dispute Resolution
Where you feel someone has done something that contravenes the SSP, you have a variety of options for each of our spaces.
Physical Spaces: BIPOC Base and BIPOC Department Events
By directly approaching the individual, you have the opportunity to express your concerns in a clear and respectful manner. This dialogue can help uncover underlying motivations or misunderstandings and pave the way for a respectful resolution. Ultimately, the goal of approaching the individual directly is to foster a culture of accountability and mutual respect within the community.
Alternatively, if someone approaches you with the view that you have made a mistake, listen to them and try to understand how your actions may have affected them. Start by expressing your intention to resolve the issue amicably and actively listen. Remain open to finding common ground and exploring potential solutions that address the concerns raised.
However, we acknowledge that this option is not always viable or suitable to every person, as we recognise direct discussions can be an intimidating and emotionally challenging process. We understand that individuals may not engage in direct discussions about unacceptable behaviour due to fear, discomfort, or concerns about exacerbating the conflict.
If you feel uncomfortable approaching the individual or do not have the energy to do so, you may decide to remove yourself from the event/space/conversation. This option is aimed to prioritise your immediate well-being and emotional safety.
If you would like to attempt to approach the individual, but do not feel comfortable doing so by yourself, you may ask the Officer or other BIPOC Department Executive Members to accompany you.
We encourage individuals to try and have a discussion where possible, but you may also report the act to a Designated Person(s). Include details of what the act was, who was involved, and why you feel it was against the SSP.
Any of the dispute resolution processes will be initiated upon referral by a Designated Person(s). The Designated Person(s) will contact the parties involved and make a determination at their discretion.
Where the Designated Person(s) is satisfied that an individual has breached the SSP, the Designated Person(s) will inform the individual that they have breached the SSP and ask them to cease the behaviour or acts that are in breach of the SSP.
If the individual continues to breach the SSP, or the Designated Person(s) believe the conduct is sufficiently serious, the Designated Person(s) may ask the member to leave the space being either the BIPOC Base or a BIPOC Department event.
If the individual refuses, the Designated Person may contact ANU Security and request to remove the individual.
Where a serious breach or a series of continued breaches of the SSP has occurred, the Designated Person may permanently revoke the individual’s access from entering BIPOC Base and/or permanently ban the individual from attending BIPOC Department events.
The Designated Person may also choose to revoke the individual’s access from entering BIPOC Base for a specified time period and/or temporarily ban the individual from attending BIPOC Department events. This approach allows for a proportional response to the misconduct, taking into consideration the possibility of growth, reflection, and change over time. By specifying a finite time period for the ban, we aim to provide individuals with the opportunity to address and rectify their behaviour.
Online Spaces
The BIPOC Department’s Online Spaces are for open, intelligent, and respectful exchanges relating to BIPOC members. When you participate in these spaces, be aware that many members share this space, and although they may not choose to directly engage through comments or likes, your words may have an impact on them.
At the discretion of the Designated Person, comments and posts considered to be breaching this SSP can be deleted without any prior warnings. The person who made the breaching comment/post will be informed that their comment/post has breached the SSP and provided with reasons for that decision.
If the persons posting is sufficiently serious or if the person ignores the direction of the Designated Person, and continues to perform the breaching act, the individual may be banned or blocked from the Online Space and will be provided an explanation before doing so.
Appeals
Appeals are applicable to both physical and online spaces. Where dissatisfied, an individual may appeal a determination by contacting the BIPOC Department (sa.bipoc@anu.edu.au) and outline reasons for the appeal. If dissatisfied with the appeal decision, individuals can escalate the matter to external dispute resolution for further review and resolution.
External Dispute Resolution
In cases where the Designated Person determines that a breach of the SSP is exceptionally serious and falls beyond the scope of internal resolution, they may choose to refer the matter to ANUSA or to ANU for external dispute resolution.
Privacy
All information shared, discussions, and outcomes related to the resolution will be treated as confidential information in line with the ANUSA Privacy Policy. Only individuals properly involved in the resolution, including the designated personnel and parties concerned, will have access to the details of the dispute. Other than to persons properly dealing with a dispute or assisting in its resolution, information will only be shared with explicit consent from the involved parties, respecting their autonomy and confidentiality.
BIPOC Base - Administration
In order to maintain the safety of the physical safe space, we have created an outline of expectations for how BIPOC members both executive and collective will manage and utilise the space. To gain card access to BIPOC Base, individuals must sign this SSP affirming their commitment to creating and maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment within the BIPOC Department's designated physical safe space. Nonetheless, this SPP applies as an enforceable policy of the BIPOC Department to all BIPOC members and everyone who enters a BIPOC space or event, whether that person has signed it or not.
Housekeeping
In terms of the use of the space, there is a distinct set of guidelines to ensure BIPOC Base remains clean and tidy for all BIPOC students to use.
Members are expected to clean up after themselves, which includes properly disposing of rubbish, wiping down areas, washing up plates/bowls/cutlery etc.
Please recognise that the BIPOC Department Executive is not responsible for cleaning up after others.
The fridge is available for storing food throughout the day. The fridge will be cleared at the start of every two weeks and any items that appear mouldy, rotten or expired will be discarded.
BIPOC Base is to be used as a study and/or social space, not as a living space including staying overnight short term or long term. If you require emergency accommodation please contact the BIPOC Officer (sa.bipoc@anu.edu.au) for assistance.
Respect BIPOC Base by not using it to consume alcohol, illicit drugs and substances, smoke, porn, or by committing any sexual acts.
All items in the BIPOC Base are the property of the BIPOC Department. We ask you not to remove any items from the space and to use all belongings respectfully to prevent damage. We emphasise that any damage to items within the BIPOC Base not only poses a financial strain on our budget but will also consequently impact our ability to organise and host events. Where someone has intentionally or recklessly damaged BIPOC Department property they may be required to reimburse the Department for the loss.
Members are encouraged to advertise posters in BIPOC Base, ensuring that the content aligns with the earlier principles of maintaining safer spaces. Only remove other posters if they are out of date.
Borrowing from the BIPOC Department library is an opportunity for members to engage in collective knowledge-sharing within our community.
When borrowing you are required to provide your name, contact information, and the date of borrowing on the library sheet. Members are expected to return borrowed items within a 4-week timeframe to accommodate the needs of others within the community.
When returning a book, you are expected to handle borrowed books with care, avoiding any actions that may result in damage to it. Where someone has intentionally or recklessly damaged BIPOC Department property they may be required to reimburse the Department for the loss.
When using the TV, ensure that the content aligns with the earlier principles of maintaining safer spaces. Keep the volume at a reasonable level to prevent disturbance to others in the vicinity. Handle TV equipment with care and report any malfunctions or issues promptly.
Responsibilities of the BIPOC Department Executive
The BIPOC Department Executive holds the responsibility of several duties within the usage and maintenance of BIPOC Base.
The Executive will actively oversee the maintenance of the physical space, ensuring its cleanliness, functionality, and safety. This includes ensuring food and mutual aid is regularly stocked, promptly logging maintenance requests for any repairs or improvements needed, etc.
The BIPOC Officer will monitor access requests by members and submit the requests to ANU Security in a timely manner.
The Executive must actively advocate for BIPOC Base by promoting it on social media, implementing visible signs, publishing maps, inviting other ANUSA Departments to collaborate within the autonomous space, etc.
The Executive and the Designated Person have authority to take necessary action to maintain the safety of the BIPOC safe space and BIPOC events and the well-being of persons in it.
The Executive must actively engage with the BIPOC members to understand their needs and preferences for BIPOC Base. This includes seeking feedback, discussing at collective meetings, and creating opportunities for community members to contribute to decision-making processes.
If you have any suggestions or concerns in relation to amending the Safer Spaces Policy, please email the BIPOC Officer at sa.bipoc@anu.edu.au.