Some of our staff and students have been directly impacted and lost family members; others will be indirectly impacted as the conflict evokes previous traumatic experiences. We recognise the deep and far-reaching impact throughout the University during this difficult time and we would urge you to get in touch if you feel you need support. Details of the support available to all staff and students at the University are available below.
As a university we continue to call for peace and an end to the violence and tragic loss of human life within all impacted communities.
Active protests
We know some staff and students within our community want to protest peacefully against the ongoing conflict but may be concerned about the implications of doing so.
The University supports everyone’s right to freedom of expression, and free speech within the law is protected. Please read the guidance we have issued on considerations around freedom of expression.
We would, however, ask that people continue to be considerate to each other and are mindful of how words and action may make other staff and students feel.
Please remember that hate speech and support for proscribed organisations such as Hamas is an offence under UK law. We will not tolerate hate in our community, whether this is in the form of antisemitism, islamophobia or harassment of any kind. Definitions of racism are available on the University website.
This blog post from earlier this year explores how issues of freedom of expression and harassment are context-specific.
If you wish to arrange an external speaker on campus, you must follow the University’s external speaker policy.
Support for students
Student Services (Email: studentwellbeing@lboro.ac.uk, Tel: 01509 222765) offers a range of support, including mental health and wellbeing, and advice specifically for international students. One-to-one support with an advisor is also available. If you would like to access this support, please complete the online referral form.
The University Chaplaincy (Email: chaplaincy@lboro.ac.uk, Tel: 01509 223741) offers a space for quiet reflection. University Chaplains are here to listen, to care and to help all staff and students. No appointment is necessary.
If you feel your studies are being affected, you can contact your Academic School and/or Personal Tutors so that we can provide the right support to you. If you wish, you can also submit an individual Mitigating Circumstances claim to explain how you have been impacted by recent events. More information on this can be found in the Student Handbook.
Support for staff
Colleagues can access emotional support through our Employee Assistance Programme. More information can be found on our People and Organisational Development website.
Should you need some time away, we would like to draw attention to our compassionate leave arrangements, including our specific policy related to race-based stress, which offers pre-approved compassionate leave for the reason of race-based stress.
If you are concerned about children you care for who express anxiety about the conflict, you can access Childline for advice and support.
Travel advice
Staff or students planning to travel to these areas are advised to check the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The website has been updated so that anyone who is in Israel or the Occupied Palestine Territories can register their presence and there are also contact details for those who need help. For those based in the UK concerned about a friend or family member, you can call the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on 020 7008 5000.