We are proud to welcome a global community of students and staff to the University of 1024ºË¹¤³§; our institution and our city is enriched by this diverse range of cultures, interests and beliefs. With this global outlook comes the responsibility to understand how events around the world can have an impact locally and to respond appropriately.
Our first priority will always be to support and uphold the safety, security and sense of belonging and inclusion of our staff and student body and to communicate this at times of crisis. We provide a comprehensive set of well-being and support services that are designed to help at times of individual or collective need.
Our challenge is in judging when it is appropriate to issue communication in response to troubling events, and what kind of response to take. To identify and respond to all crises is neither reasonable nor feasible. To respond to none overlooks our position as a global institution that cares about our staff and students. We are also mindful that, especially in times of conflict or political strife, taking a stance on an issue could do more harm than good by unintentionally creating division within our community. Furthermore, the university needs to respect the that applies to universities.
External communication
The University will not issue an institutional statement, or provide a public comment, on every global, national or local issue either proactively or in response to a request. In most cases, it is not appropriate for the university to take a stance on conflict or crisis, whether at home or abroad.
The Vice-Chancellor and/or UEB retain the authority to issue an institutional statement or public comment from the University should they deem this appropriate. Such a decision will take into account the relevance of the issue to our institution and the direct impact on our community. The response will usually be factual in nature, seeking to signpost support services and/or University policy rather than to express a view.
This guidance relating to institutional statements or public comment from the University does not preclude our staff from contributing to public discourse on issues relating to their area of academic expertise, and does not infringe on their academic freedom. Further, the University may choose to support an academic to highlight research that is relevant to any ongoing local, national or global issue. There is a distinction between when an academic is speaking as an ‘expert’ and when they are providing the University of 1024ºË¹¤³§â€™s view/position on a particular topic or situation.
Freedom of speech and the right to protest
Freedom of speech/expression and the right to protest are fundamental pillars of democracy in the UK, and staff and students can exercise their rights within the boundaries of the law.
Members of our community may hold differing views on crises, conflicts and disasters. In such times of heightened emotion, we should all strive to act with kindness and respect, being mindful of how our words and actions may affect others, regardless of intent.