Anti-social and abusive behaviour towards a First bus driver

Message from Professor Ian White, President and Vice-Chancellor:

Our values as a University are clear: working together responsibly with respect for others, and fostering equality, diversity and inclusivity.

So it is with deep regret that I have to write to you about reports of an incident of anti-social and abusive behaviour towards a First bus driver and our own security officers on campus last night.

I cannot go into the details of this case at this time, but I would like to stress the importance that we place in the University Community on being respectful, and hence how seriously we regard reports of, and oppose emphatically, aggressive behaviour. My initial concern is, of course, for those who suffered distress as a result of the incident, but we are currently investigating the matter in great detail.

Of course I am aware this behaviour does not reflect the vast majority of our community and I have been most impressed by the many students I have already met since becoming Vice-Chancellor last month. The vast majority of our students are an absolute credit to the University and represent the very highest standards of our community.

This makes it all the more regrettable when a very few individuals undermine our collective values. I’m very grateful the SU President also feels so strongly about this and that we are of one mind on this issue.

These incidents are thankfully very rare, but please be aware the University’s Security team is available to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the whole year, both on and off campus. More information can be found on our website.

We all represent the University we hold dear every day we study or work here. Treating each other, and all those who come to our campus, with respect is of the utmost importance.

Message from SU President, Eve Alcock:

It’s disappointing that two individuals have let the student community down in this way. We pride ourselves on being a compassionate and respectful student body, and we condemn this kind of unacceptable, aggressive behaviour.