UWE statement on Israel and Gaza – supporting students and staff

Media Relations Team, 16 October 2023

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The continuing tragic events in Israel and Gaza have been very upsetting and distressing for our university community, particularly for our students and colleagues with connections in the region. As a global university community, we recognise the impact of crises across the world on our community and these heart-breaking events concern us all, whether conflict, political unrest, or natural disasters.

Our first priority is to support affected students and staff. We have reached out to all our students from Israel and Palestine to offer support through our Global Centre. Our University, Chaplaincy and Students’ Union are working together to ensure all our students are supported as much as possible where they are affected by world crises. The University offers a range of emotional and wellbeing support for staff 24 hours a day through the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and a range of other support is available to all. We also have many wellbeing support options available for all our students.

As a university community, it is important that we support each other during these extremely distressing and difficult times. We are one UWE Bristol family, and pride ourselves on being a diverse and inclusive organisation, here to support each other.

We continue to monitor the global situation and the impact on our community and activities.

Please continue to be kind and respectful to each other during these difficult times.

[UPDATE 23.11.23] UWE Bristol has a long-standing tradition of encouraging freedom of speech and freedom of expression. However, the university does not tolerate discrimination, anti-social behaviour, harassment or hate crime. This includes any form of anti-Semitism or Islamophobia.

Anyone in the UWE Bristol community experiencing or witnessing any form of discrimination, harassment or abuse, including anti-Semitism or Islamophobia, is urged to use the university’s Report and Support service to ensure that action can be taken. Behaviour which breaches UWE Bristol’s Student Conduct Policy could result in disciplinary proceedings.

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