USC apologises for 'slut list'

The fraternity says in its statement that it has joined forces with UVSV's board (the sorority to which the victims of the "slut list" were associated) to investigate how the list's compilers could apologise "appropriately" to the women whose names, pictures, phone numbers and sexual preferences were mentioned in the document. "We will be guided by the wishes of the women involved." 

In addition, USC has suspended the members involved with the list indefinitely. Given how prominent the topic of sexual safety has become in recent years, the fraternity finds it "incomprehensible" that such a document has been made and shared among its members. The fraternity also stated that those responsible will be punished "beyond mere suspension."

For example, they will have to be involved in the efforts to improve the culture prevalent in the fraternity's student houses and warn new members about the mistakes they have made.

Improving the culture
USC's headquarters were closed these past two weeks. According to the statement, this time marked the beginning of a new phase, in which the fraternity's culture will be changed. The association will work together with the university to achieve this goal.

Two big gatherings were organised for the residents of student homes with more than 350 roommates. They were informed by experts and older members about what qualifies as "acceptable" behaviour.

Last but not least, 94 student houses signed a new code of conduct. A similar document was devised in 2021, and it's hanging on the walls of all USC student houses. The new version of the code of conduct is stricter when it comes to sexual harassment and abuse.

The Executive Boards of Utrecht University (UU) and the Utrecht University of Applied Sciences (HU) demanded USC come up with a convincing plan to improve its ways by May 1. Several media outlets in the Netherlands have criticised UU and HU for not punishing the students enough. In a letter to the national newspaper De Volkskrant, HU chair Wilma Scholte op Reimer and UU Rector Henk Kummeling argue that the sanctions announced by both institutions are sufficiently strict. They reassure readers that they will not hesitate to sever all ties with USC if the fraternity doesn't change its culture in a verifiable way. "We still believe that we can help turn the tide of misogyny, no matter how skeptical people may be about it."