University hate crime ‘prevalent’
Reporter STUDENTS have vowed to tackle “prevalent hate crime” at Durham University and across the North East.
It comes as the institute prepares to launch an online “reporting and supporting” programme that will allow it to record reports of hate crime and harassment.
The programme is part of a new project the university has secured £50,000 for which will see it carry out a two-year investigation of religious and racebased hate crime affecting students in Durham, and the North East region.
Rosa Tallack, welfare and liberation officer at Durham Students’ Union, welcomed the efforts to combat hate crime.
She said: “At Durham Students’ Union, we’re only too aware that hate crime is a prevalent issue in Durham, and something that many students feel strongly about and are campaigning on. It’s something we are working to challenge, and looking forward to working closely with the university to combat.”
She added: “This new project is exciting and vitally important step in making sure hate crime and harassment is tackled from as many angles as possible, to make sure our community is a welcoming and safe space for all students.”
The cash for the project has been provided by the Office for Students (OfS), as part of a national network of projects to tackle hate crime and harassment on campus.
The university is one of 11 higher education institutions in England to receive funding.
Through the project researchers hope to gain a greater understanding of the nature and origins of the threats staff and students experience, identify effective and necessary interventions, and examine the best forms of support and help for victims.
Durham University’s Deputy ViceChancellor and equality, diversity, and inclusion lead, Professor Antony Long, wants all staff and students to feel safe, welcome, respected and valued members of their communities.