Wednesday 07-08-2024 - 15:49

 

A statement from your Full-Time Officer Team, on behalf of Lancaster University Students’ Union.



 

 

At Lancaster University Students’ Union, we join the local and national community in shock and horror in the witnessing of violence, racism, discrimination and Islamophobia across the North-West and the wider UK in recent days.



Education Officer Harrison Stewart said, “individuals and groups from across the UK have demonised and vilified innocent members of our national community under the guise of ‘protesting’. This is not protesting; rather, this is inexcusable violence in the name of fascism, white supremacy, and Islamophobia fuelled by dangerous and crucially false narratives perpetuated by the extremist far-right”.



We are aware of how this racialised violence may have impacted members of our community, particularly our Muslim and International students. We understand that many Lancaster students, currently in the city or off-campus, may be feeling unsafe and fearful for themselves, their friends, and their family at this time. We are proud to be a part of a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive Lancaster community and stand in solidarity with those affected by these events. We strongly condemn all acts that threaten the safety of our students, particularly those from minority backgrounds at such a difficult time.  

If you, your family, or friends are struggling during this time, there is support available to you. The Advice Service here at the students’ union can help find the right wellbeing support for you, with the university Mental Health and Wellbeing Advice Line being open 24/7. Our Advice Service is also an official Third-Party Hate Crime Reporting Centre, giving you confidential support and the ability to anonymously report any incidents if you decide to do so.

For support and guidance, you can contact the LUSU Advice Service via email at advice@lancastersu.co.uk