Feminist Society launches bid to ban ‘lad culture’ songs at DUSA

Dundee University Students Association is being urged to oppose “lad culture” and ban songs with lyrics that may trigger stress in victims of sexual abuse.

The proposals have been put forward by the university’s Feminist Society and will be considered at a debate later this month.

The society, which campaigns on equality issues, has drawn up a series of motions as part of the referendum process that helps to set DUSA policies and practices.

One of these calls on DUSA to “actively combat ‘lad culture’, something which is harmful to the student body, and make sure its future endeavours do not contribute to it”.

Another has been sparked by the controversy surrounding the song Blurred Lines, by Robin Thicke. It was a major hit last year but was accused of misogyny and promoting rape — claims the artist denied.

Several UK university student unions banned the song.

The Feminist Society’s motion says that songs such as Blurred Lines, that are “considered to be potentially triggering of post traumatic stress disorder”, may be banned from play in the bars and clubs at DUSA’s Airlie Place building. Two senior officers would have to rule on any complaints.

It is one of the motions to be debated on March 26.