At the festival, we commit to follow the principles of a safer space:

What is bullying?
Bullying includes, for example, nasty and mocking speeches, shouting, threats, pressure, gossip, vilification, isolation, i.e. exclusion from the group, constantly criticizing work and making it difficult for others to work. Not all behavior that causes chagrin is bullying. Bullying does not include, for example, different opinions or views on things.  

What is harassment?  
Sexual harassment includes sexually suggestive gestures and language, sexually explicit speech and jokes, remarks or questions about the body, dress or private life, sexually explicit speech, touching, suggestions or demands for sexual activity. Gender-based harassment is derogatory speech about women, men or people of another gender, demeaning another based on gender, bullying when it is based on the sex of the bullied. Everyone has the right to bodily integrity. This means that violence or threats are completely prohibited at the Ylioppilasteatteri. 

What is discrimination?
Everyone must be treated equally. Discrimination includes, for example, unequal treatment on the basis of gender, sexuality, ethnicity, family relationships, class background, ability, language, religion or opinions. 

How should I act accordingly with the principles stated above?  

Recognize your privileges  
Hierarchies and oppressive norms are part of our society. No human being, however conscious or benevolent, is beyond their reach. However, cultural change is not only possible – it happens every day. Questioning norms takes us towards a more equal society. 

Recognize your prejudices  
Be aware that your assumptions about people’s appearance, gender expression, skin color, linguistic or physical characteristics, or class background may influence your behavior towards them. Instead of making assumptions about people’s bodies, personalities, identities, backgrounds, or ”where they come from,” let everyone be themselves. Everyone has the right to define their own identity, including gender and sexual identity. Use only terms that people accept themselves: asking questions is the only way to find out. 

No means no  
Respect everyone’s boundaries – both physical and psychological. Once again, asking is the only way to know what the other person’s boundaries are. Always get verbal or otherwise absolutely certain consent before touching someone. 

Take responsibility  
Remember that bad behavior can never be explained by intoxication. Remember that things that are enjoyable and comfortable for you can cause some others discomfort or anxiety. If someone feels that they have been hurt, they have the right to feel and express it without, that their experience is questioned or their way of reacting is criticized. The ability to draw one’s own boundaries and the ability to accept the demarcations of others is a security issue. In these situations, there is no reason to be defensive, because drawing boundaries is not a criticism or attack on your personality. 

Respect  
Let’s respect everyone’s opportunity for change and discuss constructively. Judging a person’s characteristics or backgrounds is not a good way to deal with oppressive behavior. Instead, make it clear which actions are undesirable. Let’s see diversity as positive and not tolerate discrimination or racism of any kind at all! Let’s make the Ylioppilasteatteri a place where these things can be talked about! Let’s make sure that it is easy to ask for help and rely on others at the Ylioppilasteatteri!