Wednesday 11-12-2019 - 08:30

December Update

Earlier this term we issued a statement on racism at the University, calling on the university to take action and show a commitment to fighting racism. 

We aren’t satisfied with the work that has taken place so have now written an open letter to senior management, which we’d encourage any staff and students to sign who believe that the university needs to act on the issues we’ve outlined. 

You can read the letter and sign it here: https://bit.ly/349y7L5 

October

On Wednesday 23 October the Equality and Human Rights Commission published a report on Racial Harassment in British Universities. The report’s findings are reflective of what is happening in universities across the country, including at the University of Bristol. 

As the elected officer team for Bristol SU, we are concerned about the rising cases and we condemn racism, bullying and discrimination in all forms. 

We have noted with concern the rising nature of racial aggression in the University across campus, within learning spaces and halls of residences. Different students have been in touch with us seeking help to deal with this and we thank the students who have reported and highlighted these cases. 

The cases that have been brought to our attention include racist pictures in residences and racist images and statements inside and outside of lecture rooms. 

We are aware of the University starting the process of becoming a member of the Race Equality Charter. However, we are of the opinion that not enough has been done by the University to act on the reported cases and or to effectively communicate to staff and students on the actions and consequences of this behaviour. 

We are calling upon the University to investigate and take disciplinary action against perpetrators of these acts to show their commitment to fighting racism.

We want our campus to be a place that is safe for all students both in and outside of the learning environment and encourage staff to support this.

We want to remind students to be mindful of their words and actions towards each other.

We invite everyone at the university to take part in the current Race Equality Charter Survey to help highlight these cases and give the University things to work on.

And finally we want to encourage all students who have experienced any form of attack to report it to enable us and the University to take necessary measures on preventing further harassment.

Bristol SU Officer team