A statement from the VP (Welfare) on Pride Month and support for students.
June marks the start of Pride Month, a time to look back and reflect on the development and progress of rights for LGBTQ+ people in the UK and around the World.
Here at the Union, we’re always about the experiences of you, the students at the University of Derby. Our Exec and EDI Officers have been working across the University’s EDI networks and alongside the EDI team to produce and promote a variety of activities and events for you to get involved in and share your experiences.
As a collaboration, we are continuing to monitor the developments in the UK and evaluate how to best provide for the Derby community. And, as a Union, we are communicating with the National Union of Students to understand the guidance and work they are undertaking on a national level, investigating how we can be involved and do our part.
As for celebrations, although many are outside of June, there’s a variety of parades up and down the Country, such as London on July 5th, Manchester on August 23rd, and Nottingham on July 26th.
Specifically for Derby, Derbyshire LGBT+ are hosting their pride parade on September 13th in Markeaton Park. This is a great opportunity to see the city come together and, as it’s the start of the new academic year, also opts as a great way to start the new year in Derby. There’s plenty of activities and performances to enjoy, so I fully recommend you go.
With all of this said, the Union and the University are committed to ensuring that the University of Derby is a safe and inclusive environment, where everyone can feel part of a community, explore who they are and want to be, and develop as individuals.
Harassment, intimidation and any kind of assault or harm are strongly condemned and have no place at Derby. If you or someone you know has experiences this, please talk to our Advice Service or the University’s Student Services 01332 593000 / studentservices@derby.ac.uk. Our own Advice service is also available and can be accessed by anyone affected.
Additionally, the University Security team is available for anyone who wishes to disclose instances of feeling unsafe or wishing to disclose safety issues. The team can be contacted via their email security@derby.ac.uk or phone number 01332 591109.
Also download Safezone, which will allow you to directly link into the Security’s Centre and contact them at a push of a button, allowing them to, only when using the app, geolocate your position and provide the assistance you need. Safezone can be downloaded via apple and google play app stores and signed in using your student or staff ID.
Other support available is available at the below: