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Harper Adams Vice-Chancellor Professor Ken Sloan has written to the University community after the events of the past week across Britain.

This guest blog is a copy of his message.

In just over one week, we have witnessed examples of some of the worst and best behaviour in our country and its communities. 

The worst: the intentional, targeted actions of those who used violence and intimidation to make Muslims, asylum seekers, immigrants and people of colour feel unwelcome. 

The best: on Wednesday night, when the tens of thousands of people in towns and cities across the UK came onto the streets to demand an end to violence and intimidation, and to show that people of all faiths, ethnicities, and backgrounds are an integral part of what makes our country special and strong. 

Let us not confuse protest with violence and intimidation. There are many people in the UK expressing concerns about matters which affect their lives including the cost of living, housing, access to health services and conflict in overseas area. Peaceful protest and the freedom to express our views and concerns is an important right that underpins our democracy.

I stand in support of every person who rejects violence and intimidation of others and who promotes respect, community cohesion and the wellbeing of everyone who lives and works here.

Those who threaten, intimidate, and use self-inferred power and control to harm and abuse others must never be allowed to succeed. 

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I have known what it feels to be positioned as an outsider.

I have never, however, been made to feel that this country is not my home. I cannot imagine how unsettling and concerning this must feel for those being targeted. I am relieved that the number of people who support our diverse populations far outnumbers those that speak or act with hate.

As we go into the weekend, I am conscious that next week we will be confirming the next cohort of Harper students who will be joining us on campus in September to start their university career. 

We look forward to welcoming them soon along with our returning students.  Of course, our campus is diverse, with international students and faculty drawn from across the world. 

We are rightly proud of this, as well as of how we approach inclusivity through our shared values across campus. 

If members of our university community need support arising from what has been witnessed over this past week, please access support through wellbeing@harper-adams.ac.uk

Take care and look out for those around you.