The SU is aware of considerable unease around the final outcome of the appeals process with regards to the group chat investigation. We share reservations regarding some aspects of the handling of University disciplinary procedures and are continuing to push for a meaningful review of the process. 

For a number of years, we fought for - and eventually won - student representation on panels in all major disciplinary cases to ensure that the student voice is represented as part of this important process. However, it is important to note that Student Officers do not have a majority voice on these panels, and the whole panel is bound by the collective responsibility of any decision reached - no matter how strong the voices of any individuals within that panel may be.

In such cases, the Officers do everything in their power to make sure that the issues are considered from a student perspective, as we did repeatedly and emphatically in this instance. While we understand the strength of feeling on the issues involved, we are concerned about the potential targeting of individual panel members, since those individuals are not in a position to defend themselves or to convey their own personal views outside of that process.

We want to assure students that the student perspective is always at the heart of Officers’ work, and this case is no exception. We remain shocked by the content of the group chat, and our stance continues to be that sexism, racism and oppression of any kind have no place within our community. The SU maintains a zero-tolerance approach to this.

We would also like to assure students that their safety and wellbeing remains our highest priority, and we will continue to liaise with the University to communicate student concerns surrounding the broader campus environment in the coming months. Separate to the University’s procedures, the SU has its own disciplinary processes for members, and a number of sanctions have been put in place based on each individual case.

Finally, the SU will continue to support the victims of these events, as we will for any student who has been affected by the surrounding issues – please see below for a list of resources.

Liam Jackson
Warwick SU President

If these events have affected you and you require help or support, please see here for a list of services:

Within the Students' Union and University 

Warwick Students Union Advice Centre 
Confidential, impartial advice for all students, which is independent from the University. 

Wellbeing Support Services 
Practical help and guidance, including referral to counselling and other specialist services. 

Counselling 
Provides therapeutic counselling for all students and staff at any level or time at university 

Mental Health Team 
Support with a wide range of mental health and wellbeing issues and mental health disabilities  

University Health Centre 
Surgeries run throughout the day 

External Agencies 

CRASAC 
Free, independent and confidential support for anyone who has experienced sexual violence or abuse at any time in their lives. Services include Helpline, counselling and support through the reporting process 

Specialist Support Blue Sky Centre SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) 
Provides immediate support, medical care and optional police intervention. Staffed 24/7. George Elliot Hospital 

National LGBT and Hate Crime 
Sexual Violence or Domestic Abuse Helpline 

National Rape Crisis Helpline  
0808 8029999 Freephone Available every day, 12noon–2.30pm and 7pm-9.30pm