Graduate School message on UK riots

This email was sent out on 7/8 August 2024

Dear Postgraduate Researchers and staff,

I'm writing to you at a very difficult time. There is no place or excuse for the violence, Islamophobia, hostility and racism that has brought shame on our society and fear to Muslims, and others targeted from our communities.  The Graduate School, along with the whole of the Open University, is committed to welcoming, supporting and valuing all students and staff- and to developing as an anti-racist institution.

We are proud of our diverse PGR community.

The situation is difficult for many of us. Please reach out if you need some support, advice, or if you just want to talk with someone. You can access 24/7 help from Shout (text OU to 85258) or TalkCampus. Help and support is also available to our Muslim students from Tell Mama, Muslim Youth Helpline, Islamophobia Response Unit (England and Wales only) or Muslim Women's Network UK.

There is also this resource on Bullying, harassment & sexual misconduct: it’s never OK (https://about.open.ac.uk/bullying-harassment-and-sexual-misconduct-prevention), which is relevant for anyone who is being subjected to hate crime or harassment and offers some additional links to support.

If you feel that your studies have been impacted please discuss with your supervisors and faculty director of research degrees. There is no expectation for students to travel to campus if you don’t feel safe to do so. Please keep in contact with your supervisors.

You can also contact the Graduate School. 

You can also read the University’s statement on the UK riots.

Best regards, 

Lindsay O'Dell

Graduate School Director