Black Lives Matter: our statement of support and solidarity

Posted 8 June 2020

Harper Adams University stands in solidarity with the Black community in the struggle against racism and in tackling matters of inequality.

The University is committed to fostering a community of respectfulness, positive relationships and experiences in an environment free of harassment, violence, exploitation and intimidation. All students and staff have a part to play in developing a positive environment and a campus culture of which they can be proud.

We want to be clear. Racism and prejudice in any form is not tolerated at Harper Adams. If it happens, and we know about it, it is challenged directly and action is taken. But, like other institutions, we know that some individuals may not always reflect our values in the things they say or do.

In conjunction with our Students’ Union, with which we continue to work closely on matters of inclusion, we have delivered messages across campus to require all members of our community – students, staff and visitors, to demonstrate respect for diversity: of race, appearance, sexuality, diet and more.

We want our students and staff not just to respect people from diverse and different backgrounds, but to call out language and behaviours that impact negatively on the lives of others. We will work hard to continue our Respect campaign, and to open up our educational opportunities to a more diverse range of students and staff. The industries we serve need new talent and we believe that where it is drawn from should not matter. At this University, everyone is welcome.

Our appeal is one of “be the change you want to see”, which means that all of us must play a part in helping to tackle instances of racism and intolerance that they witness in wider society, or at university. We encourage bystander intervention. In line with the ethos of our Respect campaign we will continue to ask, listen and learn, now more than ever before, to see how we can better understand the specific barriers faced by, and specific needs of, Black people joining our University community.

We will use the information, complaints, testimonials and evidence we receive to not only tackle incidents head-on, but also in reviewing our policies and procedures to ensure they are appropriate and effective.

And, should a member of our community experience or witness harassment, violence, exploitation or intimidation, we actively encourage students to report this to Student Services, and staff to their line managers or HR. Incidents in the community can also be reported via Student Services.