On Sunday, millions across the country came together to watch an England men’s football team who have united so many in recent weeks through their effort, passion and skill. However, the racist abuse targeted at the team’s Black players – especially Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka – following the Euro 2020 Final has put this in sharp relief with the racism experienced by so many every day in the UK and around the world. It is not acceptable. It should not be happening.
We know that we have a significant role to play in addressing racism and embedding an anti-racist culture throughout our University and beyond. We are committed to taking action against all forms of racism and are clear that we have a huge amount of work to do to challenge and deconstruct the systems that sustain it. Through our Challenging Racism programme, we will continue to take an active approach to tackling discrmination wherever we come across it, while supporting our students and staff to educate themselves in the work we can all do to address racial inequality. More than anything, we are determined to be a community where everyone feels welcome, supported and proud of who we are, and will do everything we can to make sure that is an experience that is shared by all. We encourage all our staff and students to get involved.
Professor Karen Cox, Vice-Chancellor and President
Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura, DVC Academic Strategy, Planning and Performance and Executive Group EDI Lead