A joint statement from Professor Karen O'Brien, Vice-Chancellor and Warden, and Dan Lonsdale, Durham Students' Union President.
Durham University is deeply concerned about the public disorder and riots that we have seen in our region.
We extend our support and thoughts to students, staff and visitors who are affected by this unacceptable situation.
The University condemns in the strongest possible terms any incidents of racism or those targeting individuals or groups for their religious, political or cultural beliefs.
We meet regularly with the Police, are in active communication with them, and we are monitoring the situation. The Police and the University will always take appropriate action.
We are in close touch with our fellow universities in our region. We are also liaising with our higher education sector bodies.
There are several ways in which our staff, students and visitors can report incidents or seek support, as outlined below.
Our SafeZone app (link is internal access only) enables you to send an emergency alert if anyone is in danger.
The app is free to download. As a user you will be directly connected to the University security team who will find and assist you as quickly as possible when an emergency alert is issued.
Off campus, SafeZone will connect you directly to the emergency services.
You can also contact University Security directly on +44 (0)191 334 2222.
We encourage that any criminal matters are reported promptly to the Police and the University notified.
Students may contact their College Student Support Office, the Counselling and Mental Health Service or the multi-faith Chaplaincy Service.
See our Student Support hub: Student Support Hub (internal access only).
Support is also available from Durham Students’ Union.
If you feel that current events impact on your study and / or work, please speak to your department and / or your college.
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) is liaising with the UK government, embassies and high commissions to support international students at this current time. Its student advice line is open from Monday to Friday from 13:00 to 16:00 (UK time) on +44(0) 20 7788 9214.
UKCISA has published some advice for international students via its website and Linkedin, Instagram and Facebook pages.
Durham is an inclusive community. It is important that we check in on our colleagues, especially those who are impacted by the current situation.
Staff may seek support from their line manager and department, our Employee Assistance Programme (internal access only), which is available 24 hours every day and our Chaplaincy Service.
If you feel that current events have any impact on your work, please speak to your line manager.
If you are a visitor, please speak to your host who will be able to signpost support.
Links are below to the regional police force pages where you can stay up to date with the latest Police guidance, including travel advice.
