Following communications on the incidents of racially motivated and Islamophobic rioting and unrest across the country this summer, we wanted to provide an update on the additional measures Leeds Trinity University and Leeds Trinity Students’ Union (LTSU) have been putting in place to provide further support and reassurance. 

Whilst we recognise that recent events have highlighted the racism and Islamophobia that students and colleagues can face, these are longstanding, significant issues requiring long-term commitment and action. Although we cannot control everything in the wider world, we can influence what happens within Leeds Trinity and we take this responsibility very seriously. 

The measures we have implemented so far do not provide all of the answers, but are important steps in supporting our community as best we can during this time:

• In preparation for our Welcome Week, the University and LTSU worked in collaboration to have a presence of ‘Stand Up to Racism’ messaging at the Freshers’ Fair and Wellbeing Week to communicate powerful messages of solidarity to our new and returning students. 
• A Task and Finish Group has been established to discuss racism on placements and supporting students to be active bystanders, in addition to educating placement settings on how to support students in the face of racism from the public.
• Colleagues from the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, Office for Institutional Equity and Race Institute are working together and will be engaging with faculties to explore what wider guidance and support could look like in our curriculum and classrooms.
• A dedicated session on allyship has been organised for the University Executive Group, Extended University Executive Group and Strategic Leadership Team to support a culture of inclusion and inclusive leadership. 
• Further information and resources are being added to the intranet for colleagues, and detail about the support that is always available at Leeds Trinity has also been reiterated to students. 

This work will continue and we will continue to update our community in the coming months on these measures and additional actions taken. 

Please remember that there is a range of support available within the University, and our mental health and wellbeing resources can provide help and a safe space for anyone who needs them, both in person and online.

As a University committed to social justice, we stand against all forms of racism, prejudice and hate. The University’s anti-racism statement and statement on Islamophobia condemn all forms of discrimination. Any incidents of harassment and abuse should be reported to the University through our online tool, Zero Tolerance. All reports are taken seriously and handled through well-established protocols. 

Professor Charles Egbu, Leeds Trinity University Vice-Chancellor
Maddeleine Goodhand, LTSU President
Asim Mahmood, LTSU Vice President