Consensus must be reached on risque games

It is an illusion to assume that there is universal agreement that "sexualised" orientation activities are not to be condoned and must be stopped ("'Time needed' to review varsity orientation camps"; Aug 2).

These activities have been in the news for several years. Their longevity reflects a lack of consensus, will, and/or effective deterrent measures.

There continues to be some who defend these activities, citing fun, esprit de corps, public overreaction, narrow mindedness and the ability of individuals not to participate.

Going forward, there are several questions that need to be answered.

Can the leaders of the National University of Singapore Students' Union (Nussu) rally the student population to a unified position on this issue?

Is there consensual agreement and a public declaration from stakeholders that risque activities will be stopped?

Has NUS clearly stated the consequences organisers, participants and observers of such activities face? Is there a case to be made for intervention by government authorities?

Who will be held accountable if such activities continue?

I believe most NUS orientation activities are admirable and achieve the goals of creating friendships and camaraderie.

I urge the organisers to learn and pass on the lessons to their successors so that mistakes of the past are not repeated.

I also urge participants to exercise their right to say "no", and to play an active role in stopping this, such as through whistle-blowing.

I hope the stakeholders can come up with a holistic solution to bring this issue to a close. At stake are individuals' self-respect and integrity, as well as the good name of NUS and its student population.

David Wee Hock Leong

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