Following the shocking incidents of rioting and unrest across the country in recent weeks, we as a University Executive and Leadership Group have been listening to students and colleagues and understand that the impact of these acts of violence continues to be felt very deeply. 

We strongly condemn the racist and Islamophobic acts which have primarily targeted Muslims in our communities and recognise how vulnerable and fearful they may feel for themselves and their families.

Please be aware that a number of specialist organisations are available for people who are experiencing, have witnessed or have been involved in a hate crime. These include: 

• West Yorkshire Police.
• Stop Hate UK, which supports individuals and communities who have been impacted by hate crime; any incidents of hate crime can be reported.  
• Tell MAMA, a confidential support service for those suffering from anti-Muslim hate and discrimination across the UK. Their website features several different ways to report anti-Muslim incidents, including via phone or WhatsApp. The site also hosts useful resources, including on mosque security.

Our priority continues to be supporting all our students and colleagues as best we can during this time. It is also a time to be aware of what those around us may be experiencing and feeling. Please remember that there is a range of support available within the University, and our mental health and wellbeing resources can provide help and a safe space for anyone who needs them, both in person and online. 

We are continuing to review additional measures to put in place to provide further support and reassurance, details of which will be shared after consultation with the appropriate staff networks and student societies. 

We also recognise that while recent events have highlighted the racism that students and colleagues can face, these are longstanding, significant issues requiring long-term commitment and action. Whilst we cannot control everything in the wider world, we can influence what happens within the Leeds Trinity community and we take this responsibility very seriously.

As a University committed to social justice, we stand against all forms of racism, prejudice and hate. Our anti-racism statement and statement on Islamophobia condemn all forms of discrimination. Any incidents of harassment and abuse should be reported to the University through our online tool, Zero Tolerance. All reports are taken seriously and handled through well-established protocols.

We are stronger together and must continue to show our collective solidarity against these frightening attacks on communities.  

Professor Charles Egbu
Vice-Chancellor