Statement from your officers: Hate Speech.

In light of recent comments made by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the 7th February 2024, we would like to take the opportunity as your student representatives and a union to condemn all hateful speech towards the LGBTQ+ community and stand in solidarity with our transgender and gender-nonconforming students to affirm their right to dignity, respect, and safety.

No matter political leaning, our students deserve to be reassured that our campus and union is a safe space for all students, including those who identify as LGBTQ+. Humour should never come at the expense of others’ identities and lived experiences and we dedicate ourselves to fostering an environment where all students feel safe, respected, and valued, regardless of gender expression, race, class or political views.

We call on our student community to ensure the safety of students by actively challenging hate speech, and promoting understanding and acceptance. Hatred and bigotry has no place in our community.

*If you feel you have been victim to abuse, harm or hate, please contact the University of Plymouth ‘Speak Up’ service at: 

www.plymouth.ac.uk/forms/speak-up/report