Xiaohongshu
We’ve all been shaken by the horrifying news from Atlanta, Georgia where eight people, the majority of which are of Asian descent, were murdered on 18 March. The murderer targeted Asian owned businesses. While this may feel a long way from home, Anti-Asian sentiment isn’t just an American problem, it’s a problem in our communities and our country too.
It’s been just over a year since UCL student, Jonathan Mok, was attacked because of his race. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, racist and xenophobic attacks on East and Southeast Asian people have been on the rise in the UK. Racism has no place in our community or our society, and we stand in solidarity with the Asian community at UCL against all forms of hate.
To echo Jonathans Mok’s own words “Racism is not stupidity – racism is hate”.
We all have a responsibility to create a safe environment, free from harassment. As a global community of students, we should proactively call out racism and discrimination whenever we see it, or experience it. We’re here to help you do this, through training and support.
As a community, we need to look after each other and stand together to fight this racism and xenophobia. We need to be equipped and empowered to respond appropriately and be active bystanders, challenging and calling out inappropriate behaviour when we see it taking place. We want to remind you all of the 4 Ds which will help you be an active bystander:
DIRECT INTERVENTION
Direct intervention by approaching the target of abuse
DELEGATE
Delegate the situation by finding an authority figure
DELAY
Delay your response of support until the situation is safe
DISTRACT
Distract harasser or the harassed
If you experience or witness any form of abusive, racist or inappropriate behaviours on or off-campus. You can report it to:
- This is an online tool where you can report incidences of bullying and harassment. You can choose to make your report anonymously or request to contact an advisor for support.
UCL Hate crime and Reporting Centre
- You can report a hate crime you witnessed or experienced anonymously
UCL Security if you’re on campus
- 222 from any internal UCL phone or 020 7679 2222 from a mobile
The Police
- If you are in immediate danger or the crime is ongoing call 999. If the crime is not an emergency, please call 101.
Warden or Student Residence Advisor
- If you live in UCL-managed accommodation.
If you are looking for support, advice or guidance on how to stay safe, you can contact:
UCL Student Support and Wellbeing
- They provide a safe and confidential space for students to discuss any concerns you may have. You will find them on Floor 1 of the student centre every weekday. No prior appointment needed.
- A team of trained advisors that offer free, confidential and independent advice
UCL's Crime Prevention and Personal Safety Adviser
- The adviser can help you with any issues related to crime, safety and security. They also support students who want to report a crime to the police. Please email Sophie Bimson on [email protected] to book an appointment.
- Care First is a free online or telephone service that provides students with independent counselling service in the evenings, weekends, bank holidays and UCL closure days
UCL Student Psychological and Counselling Services (SPCS) or your local GP
- SPCS or your local GP can help you access and find therapeutic support
Welfare and Community Officer, Black and Minority Ethnic Students’ Officer or the International Students Officer
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We as elected representatives are here for you if you need any help or want to get involved in campaigning.
Welfare and Community Officer: [email protected]
Black and Minority Ethnic Students’ Officer: [email protected]
International Students’ Officer: [email protected]
Please be safe and stay in touch.