A message from the President.
Published (Updated )
I was saddened to hear that one of our colleagues, Andrew Boateng, and his son Huugo had been stopped so abruptly by the Police, for being Black males on bikes. I know exactly where they were, as I often walk with my family along this calm and peaceful London towpath. It was clearly an extremely distressing experience.
I hope that the associated publicity, including reports in a number of national papers, will help to stimulate further debate on the issues Andrew raised so clearly and powerfully in the video recording of the incident.
We recently reaffirmed that City abhors racism, is strongly committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and does not tolerate any forms of harassment and discrimination. We also acknowledged that we cannot be complacent about racism within our own community or in wider society. The experience of a member of City’s community has brought this into sharp focus again.
As a university we stand with Andrew and have offered our support to him and his family.
City’s Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Staff Network has released a statement in support of Andrew which I would encourage you to read.
Professor Sir Paul Curran
President of City, University of London
There is support available for anyone at City who has been affected by recent events, either through the Wellbeing@City hub, or through the following groups and networks:
Staff and students:
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee
- Chaplaincy
Staff:
- Race Equality Charter Team
- Staff Counselling
- BAME Staff Network
Students:
- Race Equality Charter Team
- Student Counselling
- Students’ Union