Kneeling for the black lives matter movement
All of us have been profoundly shocked by the events in Minnesota and the wider United States. We know that, as a community, we want to stand together with the black community against the injustices that they continue to face every day. All of us, staff and students alike, need to stand firm against racism and intolerance. Universities need to be beacons for the community, representing all that is best in humanity and standing against its vulgarities
The University of Lincoln organised a 'collective gesture of unity' by kneeling for the Black Lives Matter movement. The kneel took place on Thursday, 4 June at 9.25am for five minutes, and was live-streamed across the University's website and social media pages.
Amid global Black Lives Matter protests, fuelled by the tragic murder of George Floyd, the University of Lincoln and the Students' Union issued a joint statement on 2 June 2020.
"Universities welcome people from all around the world and diversity should be one of the greatest strengths of the Higher Education sector. At Lincoln we celebrate the diversity, experiences and global insight which our staff and students bring. They provide a valuable and rich tapestry, underpinning our academic teaching and learning environment.
Right now is a critical time for the black community to be supported by all of us. It is a time for us all to stand together. Recent events have reminded us of the inequalities and prejudice that people from minority backgrounds around our world experience.
Today, and every day, there is a need to show solidarity and unity. As such the University of Lincoln reaffirms that it does not tolerate racism or hatred in any form.
All of us have a role to play. Only by uniting against discrimination can we support one another as one community.
"Our University and our Students’ Union is built on a foundation of mutual respect and solidarity. This is enshrined in our Respect Charter which every student signs up to when they join us. We will do all that we can to create a positive environment for all students and staff"
