Statement from the Vice Chancellor

Universities are places of knowledge and opportunity, and should provide opportunity for all. Diversity within our community enriches all aspects of University life and all that we do. But promotion of diversity only goes so far, we also need to ensure that we are a truly inclusive community.

As Vice-Chancellor, I am committed to leading our university in ensuring that ours is an environment that supports and values diversity and promotes equality of opportunity.

At Exeter, we seek to create a community where students and staff stand together, learn from one another and empower each other to challenge discrimination and harassment. It is both an individual and collective imperative for us. I am acutely aware that racism, homophobia, ableism, transphobia and xenophobia are part of the daily experiences of many staff and students in our community. We must do everything in our power to root out all forms of prejudice and continue to work towards becoming an inclusive and anti-racist institution.

This is a time for us all to confront prejudice and discrimination, to call it out in our communities and to stand up for what is right. We all have a role to play. I am committed to working in partnership with our staff and student networks, societies and partners, to hear about lived experiences, to make tangible progress and to increase the pace of change.I am determined that the University of Exeter learns from the past and builds on the work already underway through the EDI Vision 2025, Provost Commission and our Equality and Inclusion groups , including evidence-based charter frameworks. This will enable us to create an environment and culture that supports everyone to thrive.