Friday 08-12-2023 - 15:33

Lancaster University Students' Union is writing to express our support for all in our community who have been affected by the ongoing violence in Israel and Palestine.

 

This message comes following a paper and discussion at Union Assembly, written by your VP Welfare, on behalf of the Full-Time Officer team, in consultation with LUSU's Islamic Society and Jewish Society.

The paper states that it is the belief of the Assembly that: "Israeli and Palestinian people have the right to live in peace and prosperity; free from violence, free from fear. This is a moment to support students, stand firm in tackling hate-speech and abuse, and de-escalate fear and tension on campus."

This conflict is deeply felt around the world, and we have been working to ensure that all support is readily available for anyone who has been affected.

The paper notes that there is an increased risk of hate crime, particularly towards Muslim and Jewish students, at this time of heightened tension.

We recognise, at this time, that not publicly acknowledging this conflict is not productive for our communities and those who may be apprehensive about reaching out for support.

If you have been impacted by these concerning events, our LUSU Advice service is here to talk anything through with you, and make sure you have the support in place that you need. If you experience or witness any instances of islamophobia, antisemitism, or hate speech you can report it to our Advice Service as a third-party reporting centre.

Our advice service @ Lancaster Students' Union (lancastersu.co.uk).

We continue to work to tackle risks of antisemitism, and islamophobia. Our practices and conversations will be informed by national guidance on discussing this topic sensitively, and appropriately.

The Union believes "The freedom of speech of our organising students should continue to be respected in line with existing laws and policies. All students should be acting with compassion and sensitivity for fellow students, no matter their identity or their politics."

We encourage students engaged in discussions or activity based around this topic to ensure we, as a community, are approaching this topic with the sensitivity it deserves.

Israel-Palestine: Avoiding Antisemitic and Islamophobic Hate Speech | SNS (solutionsnotsides.co.uk).

Vice-President Welfare added "We felt it was important to state our support for students from groups affected as the conflict continues, and to recognise the distress they may very well feel in the face of these events. Antisemitism, islamophobia, and other hate crimes will never be acceptable at Lancaster."

Other support is available:

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 is here.

Report hate crime to the Police here.