A SCOTTISH university union caught up in a row over sexism has introduced a raft of measures to ensure there is no repeat of the boorish behaviour that marred a recent debate.
The Glasgow University Union (GUU), one of the oldest in the UK, has banned all single sex dinners with immediate effect.
The GUU has also commissioned an independent review into the culture within its own organisation and members will take part in equality and diversity training. The GUU has already announced an inquiry into what happened.
The scandal blew up last week when two women taking part in a debate there were booed and subjected to cries of "shame woman" when they stood up to discuss a motion.
Visiting debaters Rebecca Meredith, of Cambridge University, and Marlena Valles, of Edinburgh University, said when they approached one of the men involved he shouted: "Get that woman out of my union."
They also alleged the group had openly discussed their appearance and made lewd sexual comments about their bodies.
The incidents sparked a wave of public concern and widespread condemnation of sexist attitudes with Cambridge University pulling out of all future debates.
In a letter to The Herald, Gavin Tulloch, the current president of the GUU, condemned any discrimination at the union.
"The board is committed to robustly and comprehensively investigating all complaints we receive and we will ensure that where action is required, it will be taken without fear or favour," he said.
"We have already decided to commission an independent review into the culture within the GUU to ensure we provide a welcoming and safe environment for all our members and guests.
"We will be working closely with the university on equality and diversity training and this week the board has decided to suspend all single sex dinners with immediate effect.
"We have also embarked on consultations with a range of cross-campus societies in conjunction with the Students' Representative Council."
Mr Tulloch said the GUU would review the process under which members and guests could draw unacceptable behaviour to the attention of the board of management
He added: "If any member, past or present, any visitor to our union or other student within the university, or from further afield wishes to raise any issues with the board I encourage them to contact me directly."
Anton Muscatelli, principal of Glasgow University, said that if students had breached any code of conduct, disciplinary action would be taken. He has also apologised to those subjected to boorish behaviour.
Such was the anger on campus that a rally was staged against misogyny at the university last week with about 200 taking part.
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