Black Lives Matter logo

The University stands in solidarity with our black students, staff and wider community

4 June 2020

2 min read

Vice Chancellor Race equality

I have been watching with great shock and sadness the harrowing images of the death of George Floyd in the United States. I, of course, cannot possibly imagine how our BAME students and staff are feeling when seeing a different value being placed on life depending on race. I stand firm with our Students’ Union and the wider University community in condemning what has happened, hoping that our voices of collective outrage will lead to major changes in society.

If even one black person anywhere is treated differently because of the colour of their skin, it is sickening and enraging. We are all obliged across all our communities, to stand firm with those so woefully treated.

As a University, I am painfully aware that we must also do much more to ensure that in all that we do we provide equality of opportunity and success for all our students and those we work with. I believe that education can change lives and open up opportunity and this makes it even more important that we do more to reduce the BAME attainment gap, while at the same time reflecting our diverse society among our staff community.

Professor Graham Galbraith, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Portsmouth

Support services and initiatives

  • Equality and Diversity - The University has signed up to the Race Equality Charter which aims to improve the representation, progression and success of minority ethnic staff and students within higher education.
  • UoP Staff Multicultural Network - A staff only network that helps shape University policies on equality and diversity and represents the concerns of the University's ethnically diverse staff.
  • Mental Health Foundation - Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities - An online resource looking at the impact of issues such as racism and discrimination, and key mental health statistics for specific BAME communities.
  • University Student Wellbeing Service - Provides a wide range of advice, guidance and support for all University students and works in partnership with wellbeing organisations across the city.
  • University Employee Assistance Programme - Provided for staff through RehabWorks Ltd (Workplace Wellness), which offers a free, confidential helpline, which provides unlimited access to information, advice and support, and onward referral where appropriate.  
  • University Chaplains - A safe and inclusive social space open to all students and staff for a confidential chat, somewhere to have lunch with friends, or just some quiet space.
  • Dignity and Respect Policy - This Policy sets out the University’s commitment to delivering a working and learning environment of dignity and respect, free from harassment and bullying, ensuring we adhere to the Equality Act 2010.
  • Report and support - All staff, students, and visitors can report discrimination, misconduct, harassment or assault, or any form of unacceptable behaviour using this tool.