University of Reading statement:
Message from the Acting Vice-Chancellor: harassment and bullying
BY STUDENT-SERVICES-NEWS ON DECEMBER 6, 2018
On 12 November, we launched a joint #NeverOK campaign with RUSU against harassment and bullying. We are committed to providing a safe environment for all our students and staff, and we do not tolerate any form of bullying, harassment or discrimination.
You may have seen in the media issues about behaviour towards one of our academics on the basis of publicly stated views on a current public policy issue. Freedom of speech, debate and academic freedom lie at the very heart of university life. A critical part of the university experience is learning how to form and defend an argument. We all have issues we feel passionately about and we may express those feelings in strong terms. But however important the issue and whatever the strength of our convictions, bullying and harassment have absolutely no place in our community. That is completely non-negotiable, whatever the issue or the circumstance, and we will take appropriate disciplinary action against anyone who engages in this sort of unacceptable behaviour.
I consider the respect and support that we demonstrate towards each other here at Reading to be an immense strength of our community, so I know you will join me in supporting the #NeverOK campaign. You can find out more about the campaign and the support we provide to students on the Essentials webpages.
Kind regards.
Robert
Robert Van de Noort
Acting Vice-Chancellor
blogs.reading.ac.uk/student-services-news/