University statement in response to the Norwich University of the Arts Students’ Union (NUASU) Gaza Motion

At times of international crisis which may impact our staff and students, the University’s first priority is the welfare and safety of our community, students, and staff together. Sadly, conflicts and humanitarian crises are a disturbing and increasing feature of our world and they will affect us all in different ways.

We are as a community shocked and saddened by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine in Gaza, and between Russia and Ukraine, and in other places around the world, and fervently hope for speedy and peaceful resolutions that allow for the free determination and creative expression of individuals and communities. The University needs to be a safe and secure environment within which our staff and students can engage in enquiry, debate, and creative practice without the risk of sanction, harassment, or harm.

We are aware that members of our community may hold different and sometimes conflicting views on a range of issues and as a University we support the right to freedom of expression through creative work, debate, and protest within the law. When expressing individual views and opinions, being mindful of the impact of our words, actions, and work on others can enable a community of different and sometimes diverse opinions to thrive.

We deeply appreciate the ways in which students have raised their concerns in relation to this conflict through their Students’ Union and know that they are recognised and shared by many staff in the University. We also recognise the reported increase in incidents of hate crime directed towards Muslim and Jewish people since the beginning of the most recent conflict and would like to echo the Students’ Union in reminding the community that none of our Palestine, Israeli, Jewish, Muslim, or other student communities are responsible for actions of governments or terrorist groups.

To this end we will seek to engage more fully with those affected by conflicts and humanitarian crises to ensure that our support is reaching the right people in the right way. We will also step up our campaign against hate speech and harassment in all its forms and encourage those who experience or witness it to report incidents through our You report, We support service.

Reporting hate incidents or harassment

To report incidents of harassment or bullying our You report, We support form is available at https://norwichuni.ac.uk/university-life/student-support/you-report-we-support/. A member of the Student Support team will contact you following your report.