A Facebook page that rated the appearance of students at Melbourne University has been taken down, four days after the launch of a petition calling for its removal.
The 'Hotties of Melbourne Uni' page had been active on Facebook for years. It featured photos of Melbourne University students posted without their consent.
Law student Laura Blandthorn launched a change.org petition claiming that: "The Hotties of Melbourne University" Facebook page perpetuates rape culture, sexism and disrespect." The petition received more than 23,000 signatures.
Similar pages to 'Hotties of Melbourne' and informally associated with La Trobe, Swinburne and RMIT are still active on Facebook.
University of Melbourne says it has been asking Facebook for 12 months to take the page down.
Beyond having the page taken down,Blandthorn says it's opened up a conversation about consent and respect towards women.
"Overwhelmingly I'm really pleased with the response, and the conversations that have been going on," Laura says, "It's been a great conversation starter.
"It has sent a clear message that predatory, sexist and disrespectful behaviour has no place in a University,鈥 she said.
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