Black Lives Matter and our University

03 Jun 2020

A message from Professor Nalin Thakkar

The University is strongly committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and has zero tolerance to any forms of harassment and discrimination.

We understand that many of our staff, students and alumni feel shocked and disturbed by the killing of George Floyd and subsequent events in the United States. These events show how deep and appalling the problem of racial inequality and discrimination continues to be in society. We understand and share the horror that many staff, students and alumni feel about recent events.

We assure you that the University takes pride in our diverse community and our place in this very diverse city. We are committed to our support to equality, diversity and inclusion. Our diverse and tolerant community is one of Manchester’s strengths.

Nonetheless we are not complacent. No one should ever feel discriminated against at The University of Manchester. We monitor our policies and processes to prevent systemic racism and act where we see evidence of bias. We have a Report and Support mechanism in place where our community is able to raise issues.

Our people and values are central to our University, and we are categorically clear that we will never accept discrimination in any form. Our Students’ Union and our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team provide education and support our staff and students to take positive action.

We are here to support anyone who has been affected by discrimination and our counselling and support services are available to all staff and students. 

Our purpose as a University is to benefit society, and through our teaching, research and social responsibility work, we have, and will continue to address discrimination and work to eradicate it.

Professor Nalin Thakkar

Vice-President for Social Responsibility

Monday, 8 June: Professor Nalin Thakkar has written an open letter to our staff and students