Resolution on Addressing Gender-Based and Sexual Violence in Higher Education

HÖOK firmly believes that violence is unacceptable and cannot be excused or minimized in higher education environments or anywhere else.

In late 2025, a widely discussed case in Hungary drew attention to systemic issues in how higher education institutions and the justice system address gender-based and sexual violence. A student of the Hungarian University of Fine Arts reported an incident from 2022 involving a male acquaintance. Although publicly available information is limited and the exact circumstances are not officially established, the case highlighted a broader legal concern: under the current Hungarian criminal code, proving sexual violence in practice often requires explicit verbal resistance, meaning that if the victim does not clearly articulate refusal, the act may not be classified as sexual violence by the courts.

The higher education institution in question has already agreed to revise its policies regarding disciplinary issues, however initially they responded to the case with cynicism.

Higher education institutions must not only provide knowledge, but are also obliged to ensure a safe and supportive environment where young people, living through one of the most sensitive and intense periods of their lives, can turn to one another and to the institution with genuine trust. A sense of security is one of the cornerstones of the academic community. Without it, there is no learning, no development and no genuine university life.

It is therefore particularly concerning if a student or a student community feels that the institution’s procedure does not sufficiently protect them. Moreover, it is unacceptable for a leader to make statements about the situation claiming that “students’ safety depends on the students.” Creating and maintaining a safe and respectful environment for everyone is indeed a shared responsibility of all members of the higher education institution, but it is a distinct and primary responsibility of the HEI’s leadership, one that cannot be shifted, downplayed or trivialized.

Accordingly, we strongly urge higher education institutions to review their ethical and disciplinary procedures and if these do not provide adequate protection for those involved or fail to ensure a swift and transparent process, to immediately take the necessary measures, involving students in the process. It is in our shared interest that every member of the academic community feels safe in the university or college environment and that in the event of a disciplinary offence or a crime, the institution acts quickly, effectively and with the victim’s interests in mind.

The lack of proper protection by the legal system highlights a problem that touches the whole population, not just the students. In HÖOK’s view, it is justified to review the legal framework concerning sexual offences and to introduce the necessary amendments that ensure the consistent protection of human dignity.