'Shut it down!': Outrage over 'degrading' Facebook page that lists name, location of Melbourne uni students
A Facebook page dedicated to identifying ‘hot’ students at the University of Melbourne has sparked outrage online.
The ‘Hotties of Melbourne University’ page shares photos of unsuspecting students to over 13,000 followers, prompting ‘perverted’ comments from male viewers and many calling for the page to be removed.
It also reveals the name, degree and even the whereabouts of the students without their permission.
A photo of one student was accompanied by information detailing an event she would be attending, 'in case anybody wanted to go especially to see her'.
“She'll be at the FABSOC event next Tuesday if anyone wants to pick her up,” the caption read, accompanied by a smiley face.
More information was given of a music student and where her performance would be.
“Gotta sus this new club boiz,” one man commented on the post.
“Some vibrato on her g-string would make some beautiful music,” another said.
On a picture of a veterinary medicine student one man wrote: “shoot me with tranquilliser right now before I go out to hunt!”
The disturbing content on the page has caused a backlash from members of the community, who have demanded that the page be taken down.
“In a tertiary education environment, where I would hope those attending Melbourne University are sharp enough to understand the elements that promote objectification and rape culture, I am horrified to find this page in existence,” one woman wrote.
“You are allowing images to be posted of individuals for the sake of objectification without their consent. What does this say about respect, consent and the values of those of you promoting this, those of you who should know better?”
“It names where and when these women will be!” said another.
“In the end it degrades women and gives expression to "boys" who think it is ok to treat women like objects! This leads to a rape mentality, a rape culture. SHUT IT DOWN!”
One man added: “Meet Australia's future leaders... How did we get to this point?”
One student was so disgusted by the page that she has started a petition to have it removed.
Laura Blandthorn has gathered over 14,000 signatures on the document that claims the page is ‘perpetuating rape culture’.
“The continued presence of the page allows rape culture to trickle into the lives of the students of The University of Melbourne. It will no longer be tolerated for it condones sexism, predatory behaviour and disrespect,” Ms Blandthorn wrote on the petition.
One student who will be adding her signature to the rapidly growing list was featured on the page three times.
The woman, who did not want to be identified, told Yahoo7 News that despite asking for the photos to be removed, only one was ever taken down - six days after she made the request.
She said when she originally found out she had featured on the page in 2014 she assumed it was in ‘good humour’.
“I was younger and somewhat naive and probably found it flattering,” she told Yahoo7 News.
“But creepy comments from guys who I knew were in my classes, but had never spoken to, started popping up and I was getting sent messages from strangers.
“Now I just think its ridiculous that the page has been running for so long.”
She said several times she had been pointed out on campus by male students who had seen her on the site.
“It was a strange experience when you have no idea who they are,” she said.
Several photos of men also appear on the site, however most of the comments on the photos appear to be from other males poking fun at them.
Morning news break - April 13
