University sets clearer directions for promoting equal treatment

One of the aims of the newly approved gender equality plan is to increase awareness of the principles of equal treatment, to promote a culture of benevolent and supportive communication, and to encourage people to notice inappropriate behaviour. To support this aim, the university will develop a university-wide basic course on equal treatment, to be included in induction programmes for both staff and students.

The University of Tartu Student Union has also taken an active role in introducing issues related to equal treatment. Led by students, awareness-raising activities have begun to support the prevention of unequal treatment, the ability to notice inappropriate behaviour, and to intervene in a supportive manner. The initiative draws attention to workplace bullying, gender-based unequal treatment and sexual harassment, and introduces ways to seek help.

The President of the Student Body Eneken Riin Salong emphasises the importance of shared responsibility in creating a safe and supportive university environment: “Students can notice problem areas and intervene, but creating and maintaining a safe learning and working environment is a shared responsibility, and managers play an important role in shaping it. Consistently acting in line with shared values and setting clear boundaries helps to create an environment where everyone feels safe, protected and supported.”

The central symbol of the initiative’s visual concept is the Estonian colloquial term eksmatt, derived from eksmatrikuleerimine (“exmatriculation”), used here to express zero tolerance for workplace bullying, unequal treatment, and sexual harassment. In the English‑language designs, this idea is conveyed through the verb “expel”. The word eksmatt is not used to imply punishment, but rather to signify putting an end to narrow-minded ideology and unacceptable behaviour.

To strengthen the organisation of equal treatment and the system for handling related cases, the university has created the position of equality officer. In January, the university announced an open competition to fill the position, and the selection process is currently underway. The officer’s responsibilities will include supporting the case-handling system, providing advice, dealing with enquiries, and helping to develop the university’s equal treatment strategy.

Relevant information for staff, students and other interested parties has been gathered on the equal treatment webpage https://ut.ee/en/equaluniversity.

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