We spoke with Zeynep from Bilkent University about security issues on campus.
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Bilkent University student Zeynep talked about women’s and LGBTI+ individuals’ security concerns on campus and their criticisms of authorities.
“A separate line should be opened for harassment”
“In Bilkent, the only accessible ’emergency’ line in case of harassment or violence is connected to the health centre, which is a completely inadequate solution. We need a system that will protect us in cases such as harassment. SHARP (Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Unit) needs to have a separate line. A 24/7 line should be opened so that we know who to reach in an emergency. But right now, even if we try to reach SHARP, it can take days to get a response.”
“We go to the SHARP office to report harassment, but the authorities are only available during office hours. So, what will we do if we face an incident outside of office hours? Don’t those who set up this system know that emergencies don’t follow office hours? The interviews with the victims are another problem. They question us unconsciously, and this attitude causes secondary trauma.”
“What are the purposes of the security guards?
“There is security on campus, but they seem to work to control us, not to protect us. If you smoke a few steps outside the designated areas, they immediately end up on you, but they are not to be found around in case of a harassment incident. There have been many harassment complaints on East Campus, but none have been seriously intervened. We feel unsafe returning to our dorms in the dark because the lighting is inadequate.”
“There is a SHARP office on Main Campus, but East Campus is completely neglected. I think there should be two separate SHARP offices. Harassment complaints should be taken more seriously because this problem often occurs here. Authorities should handle the campus area by area and take equal precautions at every point.”
“Every Outsider Can Enter Easily”
“Many people outside the university can enter the campus easily. That makes us all nervous. A card-scan system should be introduced to the rings, and EGO buses and vehicle entrances should be more tightly controlled. Even couriers and other visitors are not checked. Vehicles should be registered, and entrances and exits should be meticulously monitored. A friend recently received a warning from security because her car window was left open. But why isn’t the same attention shown to incidents such as harassment?
“Our demands should be heard”
“As women and LGBTI+ students, we don’t even feel safe on our campus. We study here, we live here, and we try to realise our dreams, but we have to deal with security concerns every day. That wears us out. The campus security measures don’t exist to protect us, but as if they are to keep us under control. We want a system where our freedom and security can be ensured simultaneously.”
“SHARP’s functionality should be increased, and a faster and more conscious intervention system should be established in harassment cases. More lighting, better supervision and a student-friendly approach are needed to ensure the security of our campuses. We want to receive education here freely, not in fear. The university administration must now hear to our demands.”
