Social safety at the AHK: this is where we stand for

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To all students and employees of the AHK,
as well as former students and employees,

The recent disclosures about transgressive behavior in the media world, culture sector and sports have of course caused great outrage, and it makes us think. It may conjure up unpleasant memories for you, or you may look at situations differently now.

We think it is important to emphasize that within the Amsterdam University of the Arts, any form of undesirable behavior should not be left unsaid and unchallenged. Socially unsafe situations, transgressive behaviour, abuse, intimidation, etc. are completely unacceptable. It doesn't fit who we want to be, how we want to teach and collaborate; our university of the arts must be a safe environment for everyone.

It touches us when victims of undesirable behavior are ashamed of what has happened to them and wrongly blame themselves.
Looking away has no place in our organization.That is why we appeal to everyone to contribute to a safe environment in which there is room for expressing and discussing feelings, and in which we respect each other's boundaries.

It is very important to us that you go to your study or work with pleasure and a safe feeling. We therefore have a code of conduct for social safety that clearly describes the standards and values ​​that apply to our university. We would also like to point out our complaints procedure, which describes the routes you can take to report undesirable behavior, and the availability of confidential advisers to whom you can always turn to with your story. We want to do everything we can to prevent and discuss inappropriate behavior, even if this behavior has taken place in the past.

We know that it can be a difficult step to take your story to a confidential adviser or the complaints committee, or to report an unsafe situation that you are aware of. But it is in the interest of yourself and of your fellow students / colleagues to take that step if there is reason to do so. Your request for help, report and complaint will be treated with care and attention and you are in control of this.

We have brought together everything that may be important to you regarding safe studying or working at www.ahk.nl/socialeveiligheid (in Dutch, English version is being worked on). If what you find here does not correspond to your question or situation, or if you would like to discuss what to do or where to go best, please send your question to meldpunt@ahk.nl. You will then be contacted quickly. All questions will of course be treated confidentially.

Appreciating, respecting and having an eye for each other are crucial. Together we make the AHK a safe study and working environment.
 
Sincerely,
Also on behalf of the directors of the academies

Bert Verveld and Annet Lekkerkerker,
Executive Board

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