Recent events in our region - support for our community
The University of Leeds condemns the violence, racism and intolerance that has taken place in towns and cities across the UK in recent days, including in the city of Leeds.
Equality of opportunity, fairness and inclusion are the foundation of our global University community, and we strive to create a space that is free from violence, racism and all forms of discrimination.
Our University values of collaboration, compassion, inclusivity, and integrity shape who we are and the way we work. The city of Leeds is home to more than 160 nationalities and values multiculturalism, celebrating the contributions of people from around the world while ensuring inclusivity and support for all.
At this difficult time, we urge everyone to understand that there may be members of our community who are feeling afraid, uncertain, or unsafe, particularly our Muslim, ethnically diverse and asylum communities.
We have a number of support mechanisms which we urge staff and students to use.
These are detailed below:
Reporting abuse
If you experience or witness any harassment or abuse, you can disclose incidents online or by email at reportandsupport@leeds.ac.uk. Students and postgraduate researchers will be supported by the University's Harassment and Misconduct team, and local HR teams will provide support to staff. While making a disclosure is different than making a formal report or complaint to the University, the Harassment and Misconduct team or HR can also talk through formal reporting options available to you.
If you don't feel comfortable sharing your contact information, you can choose to make an anonymous disclosure. Telling us anonymously helps us understand what’s happening in our community so we can monitor trends and take action to prevent harmful behaviours at Leeds.
The SafeZone app can also be used to ask for help – this is linked directly to the University’s Security team who are on call to help you 24/7. For more information about the SafeZone app, and to download the app, head to the Security webpage.
Our on-campus Security team also operates 24/7 and is available to support any member of our community (contact 0113 343 5494).
If you would prefer to report an incident to external community-led organisation, Tell MAMA is able to support those facing Islamophobia on 0800 456 1226.
Support for students and staff
The Harassment and Misconduct team are the recommended first point of contact for any student or postgraduate researcher who has been impacted by violence, abuse, bullying, harassment or discrimination. The best way to get in touch with the Harassment and Misconduct team is to complete the disclosure form or email reportandsupport@leeds.ac.uk.
Our University counselling and wellbeing services and Leeds University Union also offer students help, advice, and a safe space to talk about any concerns and issues. Resources are available for staff at staff mental health and wellbeing.
Find out more about support
Any students experiencing anxiety or wellbeing concerns that are affecting their studies can contact their School to discuss support or mitigating circumstances.
Leeds University Union Help & Support service can also provide impartial advice and support around mitigating circumstances and wider support.
Strength in community
The strength of our community is rooted in its diverse and global nature and we benefit hugely from that rich diversity. This is something that we must value, cherish and protect through difficult times. We urge everyone in our community to stand together and support each other, a key part of our University values of compassion and inclusivity.