Like everyone in the UK, we were deeply saddened to hear of the devastating Southport attacks.
However, these provide no conceivable reason or justification for the violence, public disorder and racism that we have seen recently within the North East of England and across the UK.
We condemn in the strongest possible terms any incidents of racism or those targeting individuals or groups for their religious, political or cultural beliefs.
Our primary concern at the current time is the welfare, safety and security of our students, staff and visitors.
We are monitoring the situation in Durham City closely, working actively with the Police.
Those taking part in public disorder represent a small minority, and it is important that we remember this. Durham is a diverse, international community with students from more than 120 countries worldwide. Every year we welcome students from across the globe, who receive a warm welcome from our Durham community and beyond.
We remain in close touch with fellow universities in the region and they are in our thoughts. We reached out to our counterparts at Sunderland and Teesside universities over the weekend on behalf of the entire Durham community, to offer support and compassion for what they have experienced.
Please continue to look out for one another. Our SafeZone app enables members of the Durham community to send an emergency alert if anyone is in danger. You will be directly connected to the University security team who will find and assist you as quickly as possible. Off campus, SafeZone will connect you directly to the emergency services. You can also contact our 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.
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 impact on your study and / or work, please speak to your department and / or your college.
As a university and pioneer in the advancement of learning, we will continue to play an active role in anti-racist education as we seek to reaffirm and rebuild our moral community in the aftermath of these events.
Professor Karen O’Brien Vice-Chancellor and Warden
Durham University
Dan Lonsdale
President
Durham Students’ Union
