Student Racial and Religious Inclusion Task and Finish Group
Submissions to the Student Consultation
In recognition of recent global and national developments, including the distressing events of 7 October 2023, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, and the summer riots involving far-right extremist groups across the UK, the University of Oxford has established the Student Racial and Religious Inclusion Task and Finish Group.
This group will support the delivery of the collegiate University Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan’s objective of strengthening a culture of belonging – including through addressing antisemitism, Islamophobia and all forms of racial and religious discrimination.
The Task and Finish Group seeks to hear directly from students to ensure their experiences, perspectives, and ideas inform its work.
While the submissions process is primarily intended for students, staff who wish to share the experiences of the current students with whom they work are welcome to contribute.
Purpose of the Consultation
This student consultation, led by the Oxford University Student Union, aims to:
- Understand Student Experiences: Gather insights into the experiences of students of all racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds across all aspects of University life.
- Inform Action: Identify key challenges and opportunities to improve inclusion, welfare provision, and measures to prevent and address discrimination, bullying, and harassment.
- Shape Strategy: Use student feedback to guide the development of policies and initiatives aligned with the University’s Race Equality Strategy and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Strategic Plan.
The findings from this consultation will play a critical role in shaping the recommendations and actions of the Task and Finish Group.
Scope of the Submissions
The consultation welcomes submissions from students on the following topics:
- Experiences of race, religion, and belief from students of all backgrounds in any aspect of student life and learning at Oxford.
- Opportunities to strengthen support for an inclusive student life, including through welfare provision and initiatives aimed at preventing and addressing discrimination, bullying and harassment related to race, religion and belief.
- Any matters relating to race, religion and belief relevant to the delivery of the collegiate University EDI Strategic Plan and the University’s Race Equality Strategy
The Task and Finish Group will consider only beliefs which are generally recognised as being of a religious nature or held for religious reasons as falling within the scope of its Terms of Reference.
How to Make a Submission
Students are invited to share their views and experiences by making a submission through the consultation portal. Submissions can be made:
- Online: Complete the submission form anonymously by following this link.
- Email: Send your submission to: studentengagement@oxfordsu.ox.ac.uk
The deadline for submissions is: 27 January 2025
Support During the Consultation Process
We recognise that some students could find sharing experiences to be challenging, and would encourage individuals to use any informal support networks that are normally helpful when they are feeling emotionally affected. We would also urge students to access the collegiate University's support services (listed below) if they need to talk to a professional:
· University Counselling Service
· College Welfare Officers: Contact college welfare teams for confidential support.
· Chaplains and Faith Leaders: Reach out to college Chaplains or local faith leaders for guidance and support., available to students of all faiths and none.
· Oxford SU Advice Service
· Harassment Advisor Network
Further sources of support can also be sought from outside of the University:
· The Community Security Trust (CST) has resources on their social channels, including guidance on how to communicate about Israel in a non-antisemitic way.
· Tell Mama is a confidential support service for those suffering from anti-Muslim hate and discrimination across the UK.
Next Steps
The Task and Finish Group will review all submissions carefully. Insights from the consultation will inform the group’s recommendations and shape its efforts to promote culture of belonging for all students.
Updates on the progress of the consultation and subsequent actions will be shared with the University community.
For further information on the Task and Finish Group, including its Terms of Reference, please visit: https://edu.web.ox.ac.uk/student-racial-and-religious-inclusion-task-and-finish-group
Together, we can ensure Oxford remains a place where students from all racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds feel they belong and can thrive.