Resources

Explore our pages of knowledge, skills and advice.
Get informed and get active.

Define Your Boundaries

Define Your Boundaries

To guide decision making in planning and implementing a strategic response, it is important to know where your institutional or organisational, professional or personal boundaries lie. If you have not done so already, decide what your boundaries are for this situation and where your limits are.

What boundaries, constraints, or guidelines are laid down by university policies?

Discrimination

Harassment, bullying

Student welfare and support

Duty of care

Other

Current status of legislation, including: discrimination, hate crimes, terrorism, glorification of terrorism

What values or principles are at stake and must be protected?

Freedom of speech, expression, belief

Tolerance

Equality, diversity, respect

Fairness, justice, reciprocity

Protection of dignity, self-esteem, psychological well-being

University ethos, ethical guidelines

Personal ethical or religious principles if applicable

What risks exist in this situation?
Individuals or groups who might be at risk, vulnerable, or negatively affected

Fuelling the problem through heavy-handedness

Damage to relations with students or staff

Reputational damage, especially through media coverage

Health and safety risks

Legal or financial liability