Update (8th January 2024): we have issued an update to this statement, which can be viewed here.

Arts Students’ Union would like to express our support to all students who have been affected by the recent escalation in the ongoing Gaza-Israel conflict. We know that this has been, and is currently, an incredibly distressing time for many, and that it will likely unfortunately continue to be.

It is immensely saddening to see the huge impact of this ongoing conflict. Our primary concern is ensuring that all members of our community at UAL, who are affected by this, are receiving the support that they need.

There is a range of support available during this challenging time for students, through both the Students’ Union and the University. If you have been affected by the conflict, please reach out to UAL’s Dean of Students, Mark Crawley (m.crawley@arts.ac.uk) and the UAL’s Student Support Services. You can also contact the Arts SU’s confidential Advice Service.

We are aware that there may be a rise in prejudice during this time. Students can report any hate crimes, abusive/inappropriate behaviour and/or any form of discrimination that they may experience or witness through UAL’s Tell Someone service. Please consider that our Muslim and Palestinian students are not responsible for the actions of Hamas, and our Jewish and Israeli students are not responsible for the actions of the Israeli government. No students in the UAL community are accountable for what has been happening, and they should not be held responsible.

Students should be aware that anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and racism will not be tolerated and will be acted upon by the university.

— Arts Students' Union