26 January 2022

Racism is real, unjust and entirely unacceptable and as such Lancaster University wants to be part of the solution. Like many other universities, we have proactively implemented a number of policies and initiatives to reflect our true community values and to support every single member of our university. However, if one person claims to have experienced racism on our campus then this is unacceptable and we will redouble our efforts in response. We offer our heartfelt apologies to anyone in that position and strongly encourage them to report incidents either through the Student Conduct Officer or anonymously via the Unisafe app (available on the iLancaster App), or to the Police.

Where incidents are reported to us we will act and, if we fall short in upholding our values, we will learn and improve. We aspire to be an inclusive community where all of our members are treated with dignity and respect. Anyone experiencing racism on campus will receive our full support.

This week we have reviewed an extensive 2018 investigation into a number of complaints and counter-complaints within a student flat. The process of the current review has included ensuring allegations (relating to racist graffiti brought forward by a student during 2017/18) were considered and dealt with appropriately.

The 2018 investigation (progressed under the Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct and Disciplinary policies in force at that time) examined photographic and other evidence and took statements from a number of staff and students. Our records show that these processes were completed in full, a formal outcome letter was provided alongside an offer of wellbeing support and the opportunity to appeal.

In addition, a number of new allegations about University staff actions have been made on social media. Any and all such accusations will be subject to a thorough investigation.

But, as of today (26/1/22) we have not been able to find any evidence to suggest that the University required this student pay for damage to their door, pay for accommodation they did not use, discouraged them go to the police, or was requested to provide an apology.

We have also contacted the former student, inviting them to engage directly with us so we can understand the full picture, gather evidence from them and take action, wherever necessary.

21 January 2022

Vice-Chancellor’s response to social media video

Vice-Chancellor Professor Andy Schofield responds to a social media video that describes a racist incident at Lancaster in 2017/18 academic year.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Andy Schofield said: “I am very concerned about the distressing incident as described by Sa’ad and sorry to hear about the impact that this had on his experience at Lancaster. We are in the process of reviewing past events to see if there are further lessons we can learn. We have also reached out to him to offer our support.

“I want to make it very clear that our investigatory processes have changed and improved in the past few years. We are now committed to the Race Equality Charter and we are taking robust steps in preventing and addressing this type of behaviour under our new policy framework.

“Anyone experiencing racism on campus will receive our full support. We encourage people to report incidents either through the Student Conduct Officer or anonymously via the Unisafe app, available on the iLancaster App or to the Police. Emotional support is also available through the Student Wellbeing Co-ordinator or Counselling and Mental Health Service. Our Counselling and Mental Health Service can also provide advice and guidance on the options available and support students through any practical procedures, such as reporting an incident.

“Racism will not be tolerated at Lancaster and runs contrary to our values. We aspire to be an inclusive community where all of our members are treated with dignity and respect.”