The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sasha Roseneil, wrote to all students earlier today. You can read the full message below:
Dear Student,
With the conflict in Israel and Gaza still ongoing, and its repercussions being felt across the UK, as well as at Sussex, I am writing with some important information.
The University knows that for many in our community this is a deeply distressing time. I want to assure you that our top priority is keeping all students safe and ensuring your wellbeing and sense of security on campus.
That is why we will not tolerate antisemitism, Islamophobia, or any form of racism, harassment, or discrimination at Sussex.
I want to emphasise that this zero–tolerance approach includes social media activity. Please be aware that there may be serious implications for anyone who makes posts on social media about other students, or in relation the situation in Israel and Gaza/ Palestine, that cross legal boundaries or violate the University’s regulations. For example, expressions of support for Hamas or other proscribed terrorist organisations, such as Hezbollah, are against the law under UK counter terrorism legislation, and the University is very clear that we will take action under our regulations where students engage in harassment or threatening behaviour towards other students or members of staff, on social media or in person.
If you have experienced or witnessed a hate incident, discrimination, bullying, or sexual violence, please let us know using the Report and Support tool, and an advisor will get in contact with you, if you have indicated that you would like to speak with someone. You can also report anonymously.
The University offers advice and support on any issue that may be affecting you. You can contact the Student Centre in person at the Welcome Desk, by phone (01273 075700), or online via the My Sussex portal. You can also use My Sussex to book an appointment to visit our advisors. The Student Hub is your first point of information, including details of group sessions and workshops run by our Therapeutic Services.
Antisemitic incidents can also be reported to the Community Security Trust, and Jewish Students can contact the Union of Jewish Students (UJS) for support via their welfare hotline on 02074 243288.
You can report Islamophobic incidents to Tell MAMA, which offers a free counselling service that can be accessed via counselling@tellmamauk.org.
You may also find our multi-faith Chaplaincy to be a useful resource, both as a welcoming space and in relation to specific services and staff.
Many of you will know that the University of Sussex Students’ Union (USSU) recently passed a motion about Palestine and Israel. USSU is an independent organisation. It is a valued and important part of the Sussex community, and is fully entitled to articulate its views, which are reached through democratic debate and process. The University, however, is clear that we do not take an institutional position on complex global events. We encourage and support students and staff to freely express their views and beliefs within the law, and with respect for, and consideration of, other members of the community. Within our community there are differences of opinion about all matters, including the current conflict in Israel and Gaza.
The University’s role in this space is to provide an inclusive, respectful, and supportive learning and working environment for every member of our diverse and international community. We must strive to ensure that diversity of belief and opinion can be expressed and heard safely and legally, and we should all seek to facilitate dialogue between those with differing views.
Lastly, as I said at the start of my message, student and staff safety and well-being are our top priority. If you ever feel the need to, please contact our 24-hour a day, 365 days a year, campus security services, and the well-being support services I have included in this message.
With very best wishes,
Sasha
Professor Sasha Roseneil
Vice-Chancellor and President