Like everyone around the world, we are deeply saddened and angered by the ongoing conflict in Palestine, Israel, and the wider geographical area. We strongly condemn all forms of violence and are heartbroken by the impact it has on families, individuals, and members of our University community.
Our foremost priority is to stand with and support students who are impacted. We are deeply sorry for what you are going through, and we want you to know that we are here for you, every step of the way.
What's Happening?
There is ongoing and escalating conflict in Israel, Palestine, and the wider region, with significant humanitarian, political, and social consequences. The situation is complex, fast‑moving, and deeply distressing for many people.
Students are encouraged to seek information from trusted news and humanitarian sources and to be mindful of the emotional impact of continual exposure to distressing news.
How May This Affect Students?
This conflict may have a personal impact on students in different ways. Some students may:
- Have family, friends, or personal connections in the region
- Be affected by images and reporting in the media
- Experience fear, distress, anger, or grief
- Encounter harassment, bullying, or discrimination
The SU and the University recognise that the impact will be different for everyone and that support needs will vary.
What is the SU and University response?
The SU Officers have released a number of statements related to the conflict:
The University also released a statement:
How Can You Help?
Alongside our continuing conversations with our student groups, we'd like to reach out to all students affected, whether you’re a member of a Student Group or not, you are part of our SU community, and we want to ensure that all students feel that they can approach The SU at this time. We are therefore keen to hear suggestions of anything else you'd like to see from us to facilitate this. Please contact the SU President at supresident@bath.ac.uk with your thoughts.
- If you would like to run a fundraiser, check out our Fundraising Toolkit or contact volunteers@bath.ac.uk.
- If you would like support to run a campaign or a protest, please contact su-voice@bath.ac.uk to talk through your idea. If any member of the University (staff or student) wants to organise an on-campus ‘protest or demonstration’ of any kind, they need to be aware of the University of Bath's Regulation 18. Paragraphs 18.14-18.16 of Reg. 18 outline what the University policy is for such events.
- As an SU, we support our student groups and leaders in being compliant with this regulation and work with the organiser(s) and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s office to ensure a smooth event is planned.
Reporting Harassment, Bullying, or Discrimination
If you witness or experience harassment, bullying, or discrimination within the University community, you can report it via Support and Report, anonymously if you wish.
If you wish to seek support related to a hate crime that occurred in Bath outside the University community, there are external support agencies available who can help.
Where Can Students Seek Support?
- University Student Support is available every day of the year. A helpdesk is available in The Roper Centre in 4 West. You can also contact Student Support via email studentsupport@bath.ac.uk.
- The “Be Well - Talk Now” service provides free, confidential advice and support by phone, video call or live chat from anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. From within the UK, please call 0808 196 8046. From outside the UK, please call +44 3 307771499, or visit webpages for more information and the live chat link,
- Impartial and confidential help is also available from the SU Advice and Support Team, particularly if you are unsure of who to contact, or need to submit Individual Mitigating Circumstances relating to the impact of the conflict,
- The Chaplaincy staff are happy to talk with anyone who has been affected, in total confidence. Please email chaplaincy@bath.ac.uk.