Almost a year ago, the University signed a joint statement with Bristol City Council, other universities, colleges and faith leaders reaffirming our determination to stamp out abusive behaviour and intimidation on our streets. That commitment endures and is shared by us all. We are stronger when we are together, everyone belongs and everyone is welcome. The values of compassion, unity and respect are ones we can all share and aspire to, regardless of background or circumstance.
We are proud of the diversity of our staff and students and the role they play in making Bristol a vibrant, diverse city with a strong love of community and an independent spirit. This unique identity is one of our city’s greatest strengths. Recently we have seen external organisations and groups protesting, campaigning, or speaking to members of the public outside University and Students’ Union buildings, including a disruptive incident outside Senate House. It is important to make clear that any presence outside of Senate House is not a sign of any form of endorsement. The pavement outside Senate House is a public highway, and not part of the University's estate. While the University has no ability to prevent any organisations protesting or engaging students and the wider public there, we are committed to minimising the impact on campus.
Everyone is, and should feel, welcome at the University of Bristol. We are a University of Sanctuary, proudly international in our outlook, and we have a strong sense of responsibility as a global institution to secure free speech and freedom from harassment and abuse. Free speech must be lawful; there is no protection within the law for abusive speech that incites violence, harassment or discrimination.
Our Freedom of Speech Code of Practice sets out the University’s position on free speech and academic freedom, as well as institutional neutrality, while our approach to respectful disagreements outlines what we expect from members of our University community to make sure that conversations can continue in a mutually respectful environment.
Bristol is, and always will be, a place that celebrates the diversity of perspectives, experiences and views. Thank you for your help in ensuring we remain a compassionate and caring community for all. We have the following reporting tools and resources in place so that we can all work together to make everyone feel welcome:
For students
- Support and advice for students on staying safe and reporting unacceptable behaviour is available on our website.
- Further support from Bristol SU
For staff
- If you have any urgent concerns about racist, Islamophobic, antisemitic or other forms of harassment or unacceptable behaviour by a member of the public, please report it to the Police or, if the incident happened on campus, to Security Services.
- If you've experienced unacceptable behaviour from students or staff, our Stand Up Speak Out SharePoint pages provide information on informal and formal routes for resolution as well tips on being an active bystander.
- A range of wellbeing support is available to colleagues. Please see our Wellbeing SharePoint site.
- If you feel unsafe on campus for any reason, please discuss this with your line manager to consider options to support you.
On behalf of the University of Bristol, the Joint Trades Unions and the Students’ Union