The National University of Singapore (NUS) Students’ Union has apologised for what it called “indecent, reprehensible” games at freshmen orientation camps that it organised.
The union posted an official statement on its Facebook page on Sunday (July 31), apologising to “freshmen who have been placed into those uncomfortable situations during informal icebreaker games”.
It said those “inappropriate activities” were not endorsed by the union and were played “within their own respective orientation groups”.
In the statement, the union lamented that the university did not consult the union before deciding on Friday to suspend all orientation activities for freshmen.
“In light of the recent suspension of student-organised freshmen activities, which were effected without the consultation of the Union, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to the dedicated student volunteers who have sacrificed their time and holidays to plan for the various orientation activities for the freshmen,” the union said.
It belaboured the point that the “egregious” behaviour of a few students should not be seen as representative of the “moral integrity and mannerism” of NUS students.
It also appealed to the public not to “harass” its students, saying it has received reports of harassment by members of the public, including “name-calling, singling out in derogatory language etc”.
The New Paper first reported on Tuesday (July 26) about sexualised games at NUS’ orientation camps this year, despite repeated complaints going back years.
The university at first repeated, like it did in previous years, that it does not condone such game and will investigate the complaints, as well as promising to take “strong disciplinary action” on those responsible.
However, when a video surfaced on Friday (July 29), showing students conducting dunking and ragging activities after they were instructed not to, NUS suspended all student-conducted freshmen orientation activities.
Some students have spoken up, claiming that they are old enough to decide what is appropriate for them, and do not need parents and the authorities breathing down their necks.
The students’ union’s statement on Sunday called on students to “stay united”, while saying that it “is assisting with ongoing investigations”.
Video screengrabs, Stomp
sinsh@sph.com.sg
