The Portsmouth branch of the UCU (University and College Union) has voted to call on the University of Portsmouth (UoP) to make a public statement about the recent incidents of hate and violence that have victimised members of the University community.
Recently, a far-right mob has picketed one of UoP’s halls of residence, causing deep distress to staff and students alike, and three Bangladeshi-origin international students were physically assaulted by white men carrying flags and telling them that ‘they did not belong in this country’. One of the students required hospital treatment.
The Portsmouth UCU branch believes that there are many virtues to the UoP leadership putting out a public statement condemning these incidents and more generally the spate of far-right violence and intimidation that has blighted our communities locally and nationally over recent months. It would also be helpful for the leadership to publicly affirm its commitment to supporting vulnerable staff and students – a category into which many UCU members fall – and explain exactly what kinds of support and assistance are available to those feeling threatened at this troubling time. Additionally, the University could outline specifically what actions it is taking to safeguard staff and students.
The branch believes that such a statement would be commensurate with the University’s EDI obligations, especially the one relating to ‘build[ing] a positive, inclusive culture that inspires staff and students to realise their potential.’ In the midst of a student recruitment crisis, we submit that none of us can afford for the University to be perceived as apathetic or complacent about racism and xenophobia.
This branch would be willing to help the University draft the statement with the assistance of the UoP media team with the intention of it being published on the UoP website so that it is visible to the general public.
Picture ‘Far right protest in Portsmouth’ reproduced under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 licence.
