Image via: https://lsu.co.uk/news/article/themensprojectdecision
Last month, Loughborough Students’ Union announced on their Student Communities Instagram (@lsucommunities) a new ‘Men’s Project,’ a student-led initiative targeting young male students. Since then, the Union have experienced elevated levels of criticism from a number of students, many commenting on their worries of the launch of this project. Many students have expressed how they thought it was ‘tone deaf’ of the LSU to announce such an initiative, referring to events such as the Southport stabbings to explain the current heightened injustice towards women.
In response, Loughborough Student Communities released an official statement a few days later, with a post explaining the aim of the project as well as clarifying the title ‘Take Space, Make Space’ which was misinterpreted by students to be a slogan. The post also stated that the original Men’s Project post was to be removed, as well as inviting students to join online drop-in sessions to gather further feedback and “determine the best path forward.”
However, this statement created further conflict with alumni and students, with comments saying feedback has been ignored in the past, as well as criticising the Union for the lack of accountability.
Typical LSU response that takes zero accountability for any of concerns flagged.
You’ve “heard” all the concerns, but you’re still going ahead with it. So you’ve not listened at all. You want to discuss and deconstruct toxic masculinity, while ignoring women voicing their concerns? Once again, tone deaf. And once again, in the context of everything, disrespectful.
Comments made on @lsucommunities post.
Following this, Loughborough Students’ Union went ahead with the drop-in sessions, leaving male executive officers to head the discussion whilst students asked questions about the project’s events and purpose. Whilst a lot of information around the project was still unknown, students were directed to a feedback form. This feedback form acted as a further method of response, allowing the LSU to analyse reactions through an anonymous forum.
Finally, Loughborough Students’ Union came to a conclusion last week, releasing a final statement on their Instagram announcing the withdrawal of the Men’s Project initiative. The post told that the project’s removal was due to key points raised in the feedback form, such as “how the project would be monitored externally to ensure no harm is caused or facilitated.” Instead, the LSU are looking to progress the “Talk Club,” a registered charity with experience in dealing with men’s mental health.
The removal of the project may be celebratory to some, however, not all students are happy with the decision, more to follow.
