Dear Exeter Students,
This week, there is an article in Exeposé, the student-run newspaper, about the conduct at an event hosted by Freedom Society in October. At this event, the speaker gave a talk with the title ‘Two Tier Policing: Injustice Unveiled’ within the context of the riots last summer. The article reports sections of this talk which are significantly concerning.
We are taking this seriously. That is why we want to provide some additional clarity to the story as well as acknowledging the impact it has on the wider student community, especially for our Muslim students. Islamophobia has no place within student life, our campus, or the wider community. We’re actively working with students to improve the experience of Muslim students at Exeter.
When we were made aware of the incident, we instigated an investigation in line with our Code of Conduct. The investigation report provided an extensive set of conclusions and recommendations which can be summarised as follows:
- The Guild has frameworks and guidance for society events and external speakers to support debate and deliberation within the law, while encouraging constructive and responsible opposition to any ideas shared openly. These guidelines were not adequately followed by the Freedom Society event organisers in October due to some ambiguity about the student status of the speaker.
- We are providing training to the committee to ensure future events are organised in line with Guild policy. In the interim, the society has been suspended from organising their ‘Pints and Policy’ events and are required to improve their risk assessments to adequately address free speech before being able to continue their ‘Pints and Policy’ debate programme. We recognise that our processes and guidance need to be made clearer to give students the best possible opportunity to organise events which are compliant with our regulations.
- Portions of the speech at the October event breached the standards of behaviour set out in our Code of Conduct. The speaker is not a member of the Guild so falls outside of the scope of our disciplinary process. However, where concerns are raised to the Guild or University, these are notified to the police as appropriate.
We all have a role to play in creating a campus community that is inclusive, respectful, and safe for all people – no matter what their background, identity, or belief might be. This is what we stand for; this is what it means to be an Exeter Student. We believe that freedom of speech within the law has an important role to play in allowing dialogue between those with different perspectives and personal experiences, as well as protecting the voice of minority groups.
We know, however, it is incidents like this one which intensify the daily challenges faced by Muslim students in our community. Your Guild continues to amplify the voices of Muslim students by working proactively and collaboratively with student faith and cultural societies and the wider Muslim student community to:
- Lobby the University for equitable Halal food provision on our campuses.
- Support Muslim students observing Ramadan during their studies, including co-facilitating the annual campus Iftar.
- Ensure suitable Muslim prayer spaces are available on both Exeter campuses.
- Work with the University on an institutional definition of Islamophobia.
We’d love to hear from you about any projects or campaigns that would help to make Exeter a safe and accepting place to live and study. You can contact our Community Empowerment team at communities@exeterguild.com who can support you every step of the way.
Wellbeing Support
If you need support, or someone to talk to, please do get in touch with Wellbeing Services in Exeter and Cornwall for support and guidance; they are here to help.
You can also talk to our Advice Team for independent academic support and guidance.
You can also talk to the University of Exeter Multifaith Chaplaincy team. The team works to serve the whole University community: students and staff, of all faiths and worldviews, whether religious or not.
How to Report in Exeter
We encourage students to report incidents, whether anonymously or openly, through Exeter Speaks Out or seek confidential advice from our Advice Team, who provide support tailored to your individual circumstances. Reporting to the police or the University is entirely your choice, and we’re here to guide you without pressure. By sharing your experiences, you help us not only support you but also advocate for stronger measures to protect others.
Remember: if you are in an emergency, call 999 and ask for the appropriate service.
If you’re based on campus: the University’s campus security teams are mobile, response-based services covering all aspects of security, safety and welfare for staff and students on our campuses. They are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Estate Patrol on our Exeter campuses, routine 01392723999 or emergency 01392722222.
You can also contact security directly through the SafeZone app. The app is available to all Exeter students and makes it easier for you to contact Security directly from your phone.
The Devon and Cornwall Police website includes guidance on how to report a hate crime, and lists a number of local and national organisations and charities that can support if you have been a victim.
External support and reporting services:
Your Students' Guild
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