Freedom of speech, freedom of association and the right to peaceful protest are important lawful rights which we respect. Racism and harassing behaviour are not.
Loughborough University is committed to anti-discrimination, including anti-racism, and seeks to create an inclusive environment for staff and students in which racism is not tolerated.
We recognise that racist views and sentiments expressed by some on these marches will be experienced as distressing and exclusionary for some people in our University community.
For students and staff who were impacted by the protests at the weekend, or any other associated activity at any time, the following support is available:
Support for staff
Colleagues can access emotional support through our Employee 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).
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.
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.
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.