Universities need to co-create drugs policies and interventions with their students to overcome a “culture of fear and silence” that is holding back institutions from building up a better understanding of the issue and its repercussions.
That was the view of experts who spoke at a Westminster Higher Education Forum policy conference, outlining the work of Universities UK’s drug-use task force as it prepares to report on its findings later this year.
The initiative has sought to bring together key stakeholders from universities, healthcare, the police, student representatives and specialist groups following concerns around the harm caused by drug misuse and dealing on campuses, as well as a spate of spikings and the proliferation of “study drugs”.
It is widely expected to recommend moves away from a “zero tolerance” approach to one focused on “harm reduction” with support and education prioritised over disciplining students who are using drugs.
