TCDSU Faces Backlash and Censure Amid Controversial Sexual Violence Awareness Campaign
Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU) finds itself facing significant controversy following its recent actions intended to raise awareness of sexual assault on campus. Demonstrations conducted throughout Sexual Assault Awareness Month, featuring effigies labelled as "rapists" hung at prominent campus locations, including the Junior Dean’s office, the Arts Building, and the Hamilton, have led to widespread backlash from students and criticism from survivor advocacy groups.
The campaign, led by Welfare and Equality Officer Hamza Bana and Union President Jenny Maguire, sought to highlight institutional inadequacies in dealing with gender-based violence. However, the public display of survivor statements without explicit permission, and the provocative demonstrations involving violent imagery have been strongly criticised as deeply inappropriate and traumatising for many members of the college community, notably survivors of sexual violence.
In response to escalating criticism, the TCDSU has issued a formal apology via its Instagram account, admitting to a serious lapse in judgement. The statement acknowledged that the use of effigies and survivor narratives was misguided, "inappropriate," and "deeply hurtful," and the union has invited the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Women’s Aid, and Student Counselling Service to provide essential support services on campus in the coming days. Furthermore, the SU has committed itself to holding a town hall meeting next week, aiming to allow student voices to shape more sensitive and effective future advocacy.
However, the damage to trust within the community seems substantial. A group of concerned students, supported notably by TCDSU President-elect Seán Thim O’Leary, Commuter Officer Pól Ó hÍomhair, and Class Representative Imogen Forrest, has launched a petition demanding an extraordinary Students' Union Council meeting to formally censure both Maguire and Bana. At the time of initial reporting, the petition had gathered significant momentum, and President-elect O'Leary has since confirmed via Instagram that the required 50 signatures threshold has now been met. Consequently, an extraordinary meeting is officially scheduled for Thursday, April 10th at 6 pm in the Joly Theatre.
The proponents of the extraordinary meeting argue that accountability for union leadership is essential to restoring credibility and trust. Forrest emphasised the urgent necessity of addressing both the procedural breaches and the harm caused by the union’s recent actions. These sentiments have been echoed across social media, notably through an Instagram account called "SU_resign," criticising the union’s delayed response and calling for significant leadership changes.
Amidst this turbulent backdrop, the College community finds itself at a crossroads. While there is consensus on the urgency of addressing sexual violence on campus, the methods and execution of such advocacy remain deeply divisive. As the extraordinary council meeting approaches, the campus community awaits a decisive conversation, one intended to define not only how the union addresses sexual violence but also how it rebuilds trust and accountability within its ranks going forward.
