We embrace the rights of free speech and protest but as we have made clear, such rights must be exercised within the law and with regard to the rights of all members of our University community. Regrettably, there have been a number of instances this week where the behaviour of a small number of protesters has caused significant disruption and distress to our University community and activities, and damage to our buildings.
For example:
- Yesterday, a small group of protesters carried out a loud and disruptive protest in Engineering Building A where students were studying and taking exams, and set off a series of personal attack alarms.
- Earlier this week, protesters targeted some of the University’s phone lines, mailboxes and IT Services, causing disruption to key services and our ability to support students during a critical time of the academic year.
- Our IT support service has been targeted by protesters again today, with protesters forcing entry to offices where IT support colleagues were working.
- We continue to receive reports from our students and staff about the impact of ongoing protest activities, and the distress and anxiety which is being experienced.
- In the early hours of Monday morning, the University and Manchester Museum were subject to an act of criminal vandalism, with red paint sprayed over The Manchester Museum and Queens Arch.
We are very sorry about the impact which the escalated activities of the small number of protesters are having, and thank you for your continued patience and understanding. We remain fully committed to ensuring that you feel safe and supported during the important examinations time and that disruption is kept to a minimum. We also have a duty of care to protect the safety and wellbeing of our staff.
We hope that there is no repeat of yesterday’s disruption to study, but if you need to find an alternative study space there is information here.
If you or someone you know has experienced or witnessed any form of harassment, or has a safeguarding concern, I would urge you to report this to the University’s Report and Support Team or the Students’ Union Advice Centre, both of which have trained advisors ready to provide support. You can also download and use the SafeZone App to help keep you safe on campus and to access help quickly. We are very grateful for the support which colleagues from Campus Support and Security continue to provide, and they can also be reached at any time on 0161 306 9966.
We remind those students involved with these protest activities of the standards of behaviour and conduct we require of our students (as identified in our Student Charter and our student disciplinary regulations). Where we identify evidence that students have been involved in activity which contravenes those standards and requirements, formal disciplinary action will be taken. We will also continue to report issues to Greater Manchester Police where there is evidence of criminal conduct.
Yesterday we published our position on the issues behind the current protests. While I do not expect everyone to agree with this, I hope you will take the time to read it.
Patrick Hackett
Registrar, Secretary and Chief Operating Officer