Be The Change

FULL TRANSCRIPT

VISUAL: Martin Bean speaks directly to camera. 

MARTIN BEAN SPEAKS: RMIT is steadfast in our commitment to protect and uphold the respect, safety and security of students and staff on campus.

As Vice-Chancellor of RMIT, while I’m sad it’s necessary, I’m proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with my education sector colleagues to say we accept nothing less than the perpetual safety of our people.

And it’s much, much more than a campaign for RMIT.

It’s a fundamental.

We’re implementing the full recommendations from the Australian Human Rights Commission as well as the University Australia recommendations, as part of Respect Now Always.

But we haven’t stopped there.

We can, must and will do more.

At RMIT we want everyone – and I mean everyone

-- to have the opportunity to be their best,

to shape their future and to belong.

And I believe that starts with feeling respected and safe.

Today and every day.

Led by our values of courage and inclusion, everyone should come confidently to work or study at RMIT knowing they will be treated well.

In fact I’ll go so far as to say places of learning should be safe havens.

So I take a zero tolerance approach for behaviour that demeans, threatens or harms others.

Because one incident of sexual assault or harassment is one too many.

Respect now, always – every day, every night

– should be a given and we won’t rest

until it’s something our University is known for.

I want us to set the standard by condemning violence against women and gender stereotypes, calling out poor behaviour, educating about the impact and embracing innovative justice.

Please – take care of yourself, take care of each other, and find the courage to call it as you see it.

Together, we can be the change.

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