Statement from the University: Today’s Manchester synagogue attack

Today’s antisemitic attack at a synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, is deeply distressing. Our thoughts are with those directly affected, as well as our Jewish colleagues and students who may be feeling shock, grief and fear in the aftermath of this incident.

We want to reassure our community that the University is a safe, welcoming and inclusive community for all staff and students. We condemn and stand against anti-semitism and all forms of racism.  

If you have been impacted by this news, please know support is available – more information on the services available for staff and students can be found below. Additionally, line managers should use their discretion to check in on colleagues potentially affected. 

If you experience or witness anything of concern, including any kind of discrimination, please contact our Security team by calling 01509 222141 or emailing security@lboro.ac.uk (contact details can also be found on the back of your staff ID card), or you can report the incident via the Online Reporting Portal 

Support for staff         

Colleagues can access emotional support throughourEmployee Assistance Programme. Please note this service is also available for your immediate family members (eg spouses/partners, and children aged 16-24 in full-time education, living in the same household).     

TheUniversity 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.   

Should you need some time away, we would like to draw attention to ourcompassionate leave arrangements, including our specific policy related to race-based stress.    

Support for students      

Student Services (Email:studentwellbeing@lboro.ac.uk, Tel: 01509 222765) offers a range of support, includingmental health and wellbeing, and advice specifically forinternational students. One-to-one supportwith an advisoris also available.If you would like to access this support, please complete theonline referral form.       

TheUniversity 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 PersonalTutors so that we can provide the right support to you. If you wish, you can also submit an individual Mitigating Circumstances claim to explain howyou have been impacted by recent events.More information on this can be foundin theStudent Handbook.