Statement from University Executive

6th June 2020

Northumbria University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We have zero tolerance of any form of harassment or discrimination.

We share the shock and pain that our staff, students and alumni feel at the murder of George Floyd and subsequent events in the United States. The enduring problems of racial inequality and discrimination continue to blight societies, including our own. We stand with our staff and students in deploring racism wherever it occurs – in the UK or internationally.

At Northumbria we aspire towards a community which is welcoming, respectful and just. We seek to challenge racism within and beyond our institution. We encourage all our students and staff to report instances of racism and discrimination that they experience or witness. Racism is not something that simply occurs elsewhere, and as recent events demonstrate there is much work to do to address issues of racism and inequality. For us that work starts within our own community. In February the University Executive decided to sign up to the Race Equality Charter as an important commitment to understanding and taking action to combat racial inequality at Northumbria. Professor Tom Lawson is leading this for the University and will be working to bring together a community to translate our commitment to the Race Equality Charter into action.

Click here to read more about Northumbria University's commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.