Friday 10-05-2024 - 09:59

 

On Thursday a group of organising students came together in Alexandra Square to protest the ongoing war and to stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine.
 

 

As a union we support the rights of students and staff all to organise, protest, and exercise their freedom of speech. Following the response to student protests in the United States, the wellbeing and safety of our students is our main priority.

Your Vice-President Welfare and Students' Union Chief Executive are meeting with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor to discuss student safety and wellbeing and the University's response to the protests.
 
"Last term we published a statement on the ongoing effect of the conflict on our students and in support of the people of the middle east to self-determination of their nation and government. The people of Palestine and Israel deserve to flourish in a life free from persecution, terrorism, and war.
 
The well-being of the protestors and students on campus is our main priority so we have organised hygiene essentials to be available from the Students' Union. Our Pantry and Supper Club are available to students on campus and showers located behind the Students' Union Office.  I am in on-going dialogue with the relevant students and communities. We also continue to urge the University to engage in dialogue with student communities and organisers.
 
We ask that security and police presence on campus meets students with compassion, dignity, and the respect for freedom of speech." - Josh, Vice-President Welfare.
 
We encourage our students to be political, and take action on movements and causes they believe in - in a respectful and safe manner. We understand that this will be an extremely difficult time for many students, especially those with friends and family in the region.
 
If you witness any incidents of racism, islamophobia, or antisemitism, we urge you to report this to the Students' Union Advice Service who can support with complaints and hate-crime reporting.

Our advice service @ Lancaster Students' Union (lancastersu.co.uk)
For any urgent safeguarding concerns please contact the Students' Union Safeguarding lead on 07376 427552.
The Union of Jewish Students have opened a Welfare Hotline for students on 02074243288.
Support and information about Islamophobia from the Muslim Council of Britain can be found here.
If you witness any incidents of racism, islamophobia, or antisemitism, we urge you to report this to the Students' Union Advice Service who can support with complaints and hate-crime reporting.
Our advice service @ Lancaster Students' Union (lancastersu.co.uk)