University of York issues statement condemning reports of racism amidst coronavirus case

University chiefs in York have issued a call for respect and tolerance between staff and students during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
By Susie Beever
Published 4th Feb 2020, 17:12 BST
Two women wearing face masks leave the Staycity Hotel in the centre of York. Picture: Danny Lawson/ PA WireTwo women wearing face masks leave the Staycity Hotel in the centre of York. Picture: Danny Lawson/ PA Wire
Two women wearing face masks leave the Staycity Hotel in the centre of York. Picture: Danny Lawson/ PA Wire

A statement issued by the University on Tuesday claimed reports of racism and abuse had been reported by staff and students after two people were taken ill last week.

It has since been confirmed that one of the two confirmed cases was a student at the university, although the disease had not been contracted while in the UK.

No new cases have been confirmed in York.

Professor Charlie Jeffrey from The University of York reads a statement outside the Heslington Hall Building on the campus in York following the confirmation of a student from the university contracting the Coronavirus. Danny Lawson/PA WireProfessor Charlie Jeffrey from The University of York reads a statement outside the Heslington Hall Building on the campus in York following the confirmation of a student from the university contracting the Coronavirus. Danny Lawson/PA Wire
Professor Charlie Jeffrey from The University of York reads a statement outside the Heslington Hall Building on the campus in York following the confirmation of a student from the university contracting the Coronavirus. Danny Lawson/PA Wire
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A joint statement from the University's Vice-Chancellor Prof Charlie Jeffery and presidents of the Students' Union and Graduate Students' Association on Tuesday called for an end to intolerance and ignorance surrounding the disease's outbreak.

The statement wrote: "The University is a global community, with one in every four people on our campus (both staff and students), coming from outside the UK. We value, celebrate and are proud of our inclusive and diverse community.

"Unfortunately, we have had some reports from students and staff of abuse and racism linked to the current coronavirus situation. These instances have occurred both in person and online and we want to condemn these actions in the strongest possible terms.

"Any act of abuse or inflammatory hate speech, whether it occurs on campus, online or elsewhere will not be tolerated.

Students wear face masks around campus at The University of York in York. Danny Lawson/PA WireStudents wear face masks around campus at The University of York in York. Danny Lawson/PA Wire
Students wear face masks around campus at The University of York in York. Danny Lawson/PA Wire
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"We would like to remind all staff and students that the University is a community of respect. All members of our community are expected to act in accordance with our shared values of respect, fairness and compassion, and to ensure that all aspects of our individual and collective behaviour adhere to, and reflect, these principles."

It continued: "We encourage anyone experiencing or witnessing abuse or inappropriate behaviour to report it to the University. If you feel you need support, please contact the Student Hub.

"You can also report incidents to the local police. If you see inappropriate or misleading posts on social media, please report them directly to the service provider (eg Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).

"We must ensure that we continue to be a community where every member accepts their obligations and responsibilities to each other in order to live, learn, work and research in a peaceful and supportive environment. Regulation 7 outlines our expectations and lists disciplinary offences. We will not tolerate behaviour that in any way compromises those expectations."

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