You may have seen allegations circulating on social media that members of a University sports club planned to spike female students during Freshers' Week.

We take any allegations and concerns relating to student welfare, safeguarding, and community standards extremely seriously.

We are working swiftly to take action in response:

• We are commissioning an independent investigation into the specific allegations circulating on social media to establish the facts. If evidence of wrongdoing is found, we will ensure that our student disciplinary measures are implemented robustly.
  
• We are also beginning a wider review of the culture around our sports clubs, alongside The SU (students’ union), and will be working to develop further training and support to promote positive change across the study body.
  
• Last week, we circulated to our students details of ways they can raise concerns and the support services available to them 24/7.
  
• Over the weekend, we stepped up Security and in-person community liaison with nightclubs and other venues.
  
• Over the next two weeks, we will be holding in-person stalls on our campus about safety, wellbeing and the very clear expectations we have around preventing harassment, bullying, sexual misconduct and discrimination.

We appreciate that this situation has been frightening for many students, particularly women who are now concerned about their own safety when going out in Bath.

We are also concerned about reports of abuse directed at student sports club members. It is really important that all our students’ wellbeing and safety is respected while due process is carried out.

All students have the right to feel safe on the University campus and within the community.