The Department of History of Art wishes to express its profound concern at the recent events involving students who posted rape threats and hate speech online. While the department had no involvement with the incident, the disciplinary process, or the appeal, we are of course very troubled by this incident and by details that have emerged through the widespread reporting of it in the press and other media. Like our colleagues across the university, we feel particular disquiet at the decision to reduce the suspension of the students to one year.

First and foremost, we would like to reassure our students that we shall continue to do everything in our power to ensure their safety and well-being. As a department­­­–a department, moreover, with a student body made up almost entirely of women-we have created an environment of mutual respect and support, where we value difference and have zero tolerance for prejudice. This will not change. If any of our students feels threatened or unsafe, they should contact the Senior Tutor, their Personal Tutor, or the Head of Department, all of whom will be very happy to provide whatever help is needed.

We also join our colleagues in other academic departments in asking the university urgently to clarify the reasons for the decision that has been made, insofar as the constraints of confidentiality allow. Given the recently reported details of the investigation process and claims that the suspended students have been given greater protection than the victims, such clarification is now more pressing than ever.

The members of staff of the History of Art Department