Dear Colleague,
Conflict in Israel and Gaza
Last year I wrote to staff and students concerning the terrible conflict in Israel and Gaza. Very sadly, the
conflict has subsequently escalated, and many more people have lost their lives, been injured, or been displaced.
UEA is an international community, and some of our students and staff have close connections with the peoples of the region and are either directly or indirectly affected.
I would like to reiterate that our deepest sympathies go out to all those affected and to draw attention to the range of support available for everyone.
Creating a safe and inclusive environment
Our top priority is to keep all our students and staff safe and ensure the wellbeing of all on campus. All members of UEA have a right to access our campus and to study and
work without intimidation or fear. This requires each of us to act respectfully and compassionately towards others, especially those with whom we might have differences.
As a university, we have a particular responsibility to create an environment where staff and students can feel comfortable to express lawful opinions and challenge established
ideas in appropriate ways. At the same time, we have an obligation to continue to foster a safe, inclusive and respectful culture on campus. I appreciate that this is a complex and contested space, and that some have very strong feelings, but we must avoid
this having deleterious impacts on others in our community.
In recent days, we have sadly witnessed a rise in instances of antisemitism across our community, including graffiti on our campus walls, comments made during a university
event, and inappropriate comments on social media. This is unacceptable and we are taking action to ensure that perpetrators are dealt with swiftly. For the most serious offenses this could include disciplinary action and a police investigation.
We will not tolerate antisemitism, Islamophobia, or any form of racism, hate crime, harassment, or discrimination here. This also extends into the digital world, including
social media. Please think very carefully before you act in this space as it could breach the University disciplinary code or require referral to the police.
If you have experienced or witnessed a hate incident, discrimination, bullying, or sexual violence, please use the
report and support
tool to report it. We will act on it and bring in other parties where relevant.
Student support
I recognise that this may be a worrying time and
Student
Services are ready to offer support to anyone who needs it. You can speak to a Student Services adviser or arrange an appointment with one of their
Talking
Therapists
by filling in an online
self-referral form. Please feel confident to reach out if you need support.
Finally, I encourage everyone to please show compassion, empathy, and tolerance for each other and especially for those that may be specifically impacted by the tragic and
ongoing events.
Best wishes,
David
David Maguire
Vice-Chancellor and President
UK Top 25 (Complete
University Guide 2023) and UK Top 30 (The Times/Sunday Times 2024)
UK Top 20 for research quality (Times Higher Education Rankings for the Research Excellence Framework 2021)
World Top 50 (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023)
World Top 100 for research citations (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023)
Athena SWAN Silver Award Holder (since 2019) in recognition of advancement towards gender equality for all (Advance HE)
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