A Statement From Your Arts & Sciences President
Wednesday 07-08-2024 - 11:12
Following on from last week’s horrific fatalities in Southport and the ongoing violence across the country, I want to address you, our students, directly. I am deeply shocked and saddened by these horrific acts, which have incited fear and terror at a time when we should be uniting to mourn the loss of three innocent girls. The hateful rhetoric targeting Muslim, Black, Brown, and other minority communities stems from unfounded fears and anxieties, normalising unacceptable behaviour. Let us be perfectly clear. What is happening is racism.
Right now, people across Britain are living in fear, including those who sought refuge here from terror and war, only to face similar threats in what should be a safe haven. These communities have been used as scapegoats — whether it be insufficient living wages, a struggling healthcare system, or rising inflation. These issues are not the result of minority families living in our country. People have used their platforms to spread hate and false narratives, fuelling far-right violence. The institutionalised racism of this country is only being propelled further because they are more bothered about their own safety than the safety of others. It is easier to place the blame for their own mis-conceits on others, than to own up to their truths.
Racism in the UK is an ongoing issue, and I will not stand for it. I unequivocally oppose hatred, violence, and terror. As an elected student officer I have no tolerance for this narrative. I am actively calling parliament to be recalled and identify these riots for what they are: acts of domestic terrorism. I demand that Parliament stop using ethnic minorities as scapegoats, implement extra protection for these communities and their sacred spaces, and tackle the deep-rooted issues that allow racism to persist.
On a personal note, I stand in solidarity of our friends, colleagues and neighbours who are at their most vulnerable right now and encourage people to show their support by reinforcing the narrative that we as a community are stronger than those who want to divide us.
If you or anyone you know has been directly affected by the ongoing violence in the UK, I have attached a list of useful resources that may help during this time.
In solidarity,
Your Arts & Sciences President,
Orna Murphy-Horton
Resources
Student Wellbeing Team
Support for Edge Hill University students is available through the Student Wellbeing Team. Students in need of urgent support should go to the Catalyst Helpdesk or they can book an appointment by email studentwellbeing@edgehill.ac.uk, by phone on 01695 657988, or via the Catalyst Helpdesk.
Campus Support Team
The Campus Support Team are also available 24/7. They can be contacted in person at the Security and Customer Information Centre at the front of campus, by phone on 01695 584227 or by text 07785 928 911.
Mind Support Line
Open 9am-6pm Monday to Friday
Phone: 0300 102 1234
If you are experiencing an emergency and you, or anyone is in danger, please call the emergency services on 999
Citizens Advice
England Citizens Advice Helpline: 0800 144 8848
Safety for Sisters
A charity focused on providing safety for Migrant Women across the U.K
Muslim Youth Helpline
About us - Muslim Youth Helpline (myh.org.uk)
Greater Manchester Muslim Safety Forum
(1) Greater Manchester Muslim Safety Forum (@gmmuslimsf) / X
True Vision
Provides information about hate crimes and an online form for reporting them
Victim Support
Provides emotional and practical support for people affected by crime and traumatic events
Campaigning organisations:
Stand up to Racism
Black Lives Matter UK
Anti-racist organisation working to eliminate systemic and structural racism
Black Thrive
An organisation working to address and deconstruct the barriers that prevent Black people from thriving
Race on the Agenda
Works with communities impacted by systemic racism to create policies and practice tat tackle inequality
Race Equality Foundation
Explores evidence of discrimination and disadvantages. Promotes equality in public services, including health, housing and social care.
Black People Talk
Black People Talk offers health and wellbeing peer support groups, workshops and training for Black people in education, the community, and at work.
Groups include Black Students Talk (BST) – a mental health and wellbeing peer support group for and by Black university students.
Muslim Northern Women
A student and youth-led collective of Muslim women and girls seeking to Islamophobia and systems rooted in oppression.
https://www.muslimnorthernwomen.org/
RECLAIM
A charity for young working-class people getting involved in campaigning.
Kids of Colour
An anti-racist youth work organisation committed to racial justice in Greater Manchester.
https://kidsofcolour.com/ Home | Kids of Colour
