Respect at York: tackling hate crime
Posted on Wednesday 30 September 2026
The aims of Hate Crime Awareness Week, to create a safe place for all, without hate, align with our own Respect at York campaign. Hate has no place in our University community and we will support anyone who is affected by it.
On Monday 12 October, members of staff from key teams, including Conduct and Respect, Campus Safety, Postgraduate/International Communities and EDI, will be in the Library between 11am and 2pm. They'll be ready to hand out free Respect at York items, provide information about how we're tackling hate crime and explain how you can report issues. Find them on the first floor of the Fairhurst building.
What is a hate crime?
Hate crime includes physical attacks, verbal abuse, threatening behaviour or criminal damage that targets because of their race, faith, gender, disability or sexual orientation. It can happen in person or online.
What if I experience or witness a hate crime?
If an incident is in progress and anyone is at risk, alert Campus Safety by using the SafeZone app or calling +44 (0)1904 32 3333, or alert the police by calling 999.
We encourage you to always report hate crimes or incidents if you witness or experience them, even after they take place:
- Our Report + Support tool allows you to report an incident to the University. You can do so anonymously or with your contact details.
- An appropriate member of staff will get in touch to discuss what you would like to happen next and discuss the support available for you. We can do this even if you report anonymously - you can opt in to be given a code to allow you to return to the anonymous chat.
- You can also choose to report a crime to the police - the non-emergency number is 101.
Should I intervene?
If you witness an incident, you can intervene if it feels safe to do so. You can learn more about Being an Active Bystander by completing the Respect at York learning on the VLE (students only). Otherwise, alert Campus Safety or the police.
Intervening can mean moving to sit or stand with someone experiencing verbal abuse or making those involved aware that you’re contacting help. If possible, give your contact details to Campus Safety so that you can provide a witness statement if necessary.
Promoting a safe culture on campus
This time last year, we were responding to a rise in inflammatory rhetoric and to a growing number of racist incidents both on campus and in the city. We were clear then that we are working to challenge and eliminate all forms of hate, prejudice and discrimination in our community: this commitment still stands.
Our Campus Safety team work closely with North Yorkshire Police if there are instances of anti-social behaviour by members of the public on campus. Where necessary, we also investigate racist incidents reported in our own community: any such incident is taken seriously, and if hate-related misconduct has been found to have taken place, the perpetrators will face the full scope of disciplinary action, up to and including exit from the University.
We also work closely with the City of York Council and our counterparts at the other HE and FE institutions in York to call for unity, respect and safety for all who live, work and study in our city.
Educating ourselves
Everyone in our community has the opportunity to learn more about tackling hate crime.
All students are asked to complete our online Being An Active Bystander training via the VLE to support you in understanding how to intervene safely. Staff and students can refer to our Active Bystander guide.
Sources of support
- The Student Support Team, based in the Student Hub, can help students with practical matters of concern, or signpost to other services.
- York SU also provides support services and advice.
- Staff have access to an advice line and a range of free resources if you need help, as part of our Employee Assistance scheme. Depending on the nature of your call, you will be put through to either a qualified counsellor or a legal advisor.