We are deeply concerned about the recent events relating to the group chat conducted by a number of students at the University. 

The behaviour displayed by the individuals concerned was abhorrent, and entirely against the values we have as a School.

While we are not privy to the details behind the decision to reduce the length of the bans as the incident did not involve any WBS students, we have raised concerns about this matter with senior management at the University and will continue to do so.

We are distressed at how this must be affecting the students harmed by these posts and wish to express our deep sympathy and strong support for them.

The School has worked hard in obtaining its Athena Swan silver award on issues relating to gender equality and embedding its 10 principles, so the behaviour of these individuals is deeply disturbing.

We would like to assure all of our students, staff, alumni and any prospective students that we are fully committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment and dealing swiftly, and appropriately with unacceptable behaviour in any form, as stated in the University’s Dignity at Warwick Policy

If you wish to share any concerns I would be happy to hear from you on Andy.Lockett@wbs.ac.uk, and I will ensure that all concerns expressed are passed on to University senior management.