Peace and Unity: supporting our community amid conflict

A programme of activities supporting University of Reading staff and students affected by current global conflicts has been launched today (Wednesday 13 November).

The Peace and Unity programme, co-produced by the University and Reading Students’ Union with support from the BAME Staff Network, features events and training coming up in the next few months that celebrate diversity and faiths, and empower staff and students to come together to build a sense of community, raise issues and discuss different perspectives.

It also lists services staff and students can turn to for support in these turbulent times.

Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor, said: “We are all united in horror at the events taking place in Gaza and the Middle East, Ukraine and other parts of the world.

“While politics and conflict can spread division, our campuses should remain caring, peaceful and hopeful places, where mutual understanding is built and different backgrounds and cultures are respected and valued.”

James Haxell, President of Reading Students’ Union, said: “We value the different perspectives among our thousands of students, and encourage respectful debate and continuous learning.

“I encourage any students who are troubled by current events to make use of these activities and resources and to stand together as one community in hope of a more peaceful future.”