At Leeds University Union, we are increasingly concerned by the rise in far-right rhetoric and the growing threats to the rights and safety of marginalised communities across the UK.
Nationally, we are seeing a deeply troubling shift such as and not limited to:
- International students are potentially facing tighter immigration controls and a hostile environment.
- Trans and non-binary people are having their rights restricted and identities debated.
- Disabled people are at risk of further marginalisation through proposed welfare reforms that could drastically affect financial security and access to support.
Locally, we were shaken by a misogynistic attack involving a crossbow—an act of violence that reflects the toxic ideologies taking root in society.
These are not isolated issues. They are part of a wider pattern of hate, division, and dehumanisation. But at LUU, we are actively working to make our campus safer, more inclusive, and ensure you feel that you belong. We want to be clear: we stand in solidarity with all our students.
What we’re doing:
- SASHA Accreditation – Promoting safe, inclusive nights out and tackling sexual harassment in nightlife spaces.
- Rainbow Laces Campaign – Championing LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport through visibility, education, and collaboration across campuses.
- Mixed Gender Sports Tournaments – Creating inclusive spaces for trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse students to participate in sport.
- Women + Sport Coordinator – Increasing representation, access, and safety for women and marginalised genders in physical activity.
- Liberation Reps – Empowering students to advocate for liberation groups across campus.
- Faith Engagement – Working closely with faith groups to support community, inclusion, and representation, including through the Cultural Calendar.
- Diversity Blog – Celebrating lived experiences and student voices throughout the year.
- Own The Night LUU Live Campaign – Tackling gender-based violence through education, empowerment, and preventative action.
- Work with Local MPs – Including collaboration with Alex Sobel MP to raise and challenge local and national issues affecting our students.
- Working with NUS – Partnering with the National Union of Students to amplify student voices and advocate for change on a national level.
- International Student Committee – Ensuring international students are heard, represented, and supported.
- Championing Student Societies – Supporting societies and those campaigning for liberation and all liberation-focused groups that build spaces for activism, support, and empowerment on campus.
- Accessibility Advocacy – Constantly highlighting the inaccessibility of areas across campus, and working to make the Union more accessible—this includes collaborating with BSL and Dance Societies to introduce hearing loop systems and BSL interpreters at events and performances.
In Collaboration with the University:
- Gazan Sanctuary Scholarships – Providing scholarships and sanctuary for students affected by conflict and displacement including Gaza. The university has achieved University of Sanctuary status in the last couple of weeks.
- Inclusive Campus Spaces – Collaborating to increase access to gender-neutral facilities across campus.
- Specialised Wellbeing and Counselling Services – Working to develop targeted support services that better meet the needs of marginalised student groups.
We are proud of this work, but we know it’s only the beginning. We will continue to push for systemic change, support our students, and resist the rise of hate in all its forms.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues, or want to get involved in our work, please reach out to the Help & Support team or speak to one of us directly. We are here—and we are with you.
In solidarity,
The Student Exec 2024/25
