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Emma Potts, Interim Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary, wrote to all staff yesterday, Monday 13 May. You can read the full text of the email below.

Dear Colleague,

I wanted to make you aware that several tents have been set up on campus today, 13 May, on the lawns in front of the Library and Arts A building.  

We aim to minimise the disruption and disturbance this might cause to other students during this vital time in the academic year and on the wider work of the University. However, as the University has a foundational commitment to academic freedom and freedom of speech within the law, we respect students’ right to engage in peaceful and non-disruptive protest.  

We do appreciate, though, that issues connected with Israel and Gaza/Palestine have wellbeing implications for staff and students. I therefore outline the support available below. 

Support for staff 

The University has a range of support services available for staff who might be affected by the current situation, and these can be accessed via our staff wellbeing page. Colleagues affected by the situation in Israel and Gaza/Palestine can also access confidential independent advice, information and support from the Employee Assistance Programme provided by Spectrum.Life. This includes access to highly qualified counsellors by phone, WhatsApp, live chat and SMS, or you can request a call back 24/7, 365 days a year. 

Alternatively, you may find it helpful to visit our Chaplaincy service based in the Meeting House, where Chaplains representing a wide variety of religious and nonreligious perspectives are available. You can also contact our Lead Chaplain, James Croft, for an appointment by emailing J.F.Croft@sussex.ac.uk. 

Support for students  

If any students that you teach or support are affected by the situation in Israel and Gaza/Palestine, they can contact the Student Centre in person or online via the MySussex portal. They can also use My Sussex to book an appointment to see an advisor.  

Further details of support for students, including how to report antisemitic or Islamophobic incidents are available in this message from the Vice-Chancellor. 

Staff and students are encouraged to report hate incidents, harassment, or discrimination, either directly experienced or witnessed, on the University's Report and Support tool. 

For full details on the University’s position on the Israel-Gaza/Palestine conflict, please see our media statements page. 
 

Best wishes,

Emma Potts
Interim Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary

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