Our University is committed to free speech and building a diverse, inclusive environment where people are able to reach their potential free from prejudice. Antisemitism, racism or hate speech of any form will not be tolerated.
We have adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) working definition on antisemitism as a reference point for use within our staff and student processes. This was agreed at University Council on Friday 20th November 2020.
Professor Andy Schofield Vice-Chancellor welcomed this decision: "This is one important element of the University's wider commitment to ensure that the University is fair and inclusive. We will be continuing to work with our partners in both Israel and Palestine to increase our awareness and understanding of the major issues that affect our diverse community."
Wider work includes an existing commitment to sign the Race Equality Charter early in 2021 and for which groundwork is ongoing.
The University is keen to understand the institutional and cultural barriers standing in the way of its BAME staff and students, as well as those aspiring to join our community.
We recognise that progressing race equality and developing solutions to racial inequalities requires us to achieve long-term institutional culture change. This is a major undertaking, but one that is absolutely crucial to our institution and our community.
