August 1, 2019

Tertangala ‘debauchery issue’ edition offensive

UOW disappointed by insensitive expression of free speech in student publication

The University of Wollongong (UOW) is concerned that the latest edition of the student-led publication Tertangala—dubbed the ‘debauchery issue’— may be potentially offensive and inconsistent with the University’s efforts to create a safe and respectful community on campus.

Tertangala is independently published and distributed by the Wollongong Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA). Its content is produced for and by students and the views expressed are those of contributing authors.

The Tertangala editor is accountable to the elected WUSA President.

UOW accepts no responsibility for this publication and remains committed to providing a safe, harmonious, supportive and productive environment for students, staff and members of the community.

While UOW recognises the value of open and creative expression by students, the University has expressed its concern to the President of WUSA, that the content may offend some readers and may cause distress to students who have experienced sexual harassment or sexual assault.

Counselling services and sexual assault and sexual harassment support is available to UOW students and staff. Any student wanting to speak to a counsellor should contact UOW’s Sexual Assault & Sexual Harassment Service on 1300 303 455.

Information about support services is available at https://www.uow.edu.au/student/support-services/counselling/.

UOW believes that even one instance of sexual harassment or sexual assault among its campus community is too many.

Because the safety and wellbeing of students and staff is paramount, the University is continuing to implement a range of strategies to combat sexual assault and sexual harassment and create a safe and respectful campus community.  Many of these initiatives are in response to the landmark Australian Human Rights Commission report, Change the Course, which was released on 1 August 2017.

Information about the initiatives being implemented by UOW to promote a safe and respectful community on campus is available at www.uow.info/respect