Dear WMS Community

I feel it is important to write to you in light of the media coverage Warwick is currently receiving. This relates to the distressing events concerning several young men who received sanctions from the University after a number of group chats, in which they participated, came to light last summer. These conversations contained the most disgusting sexually threatening, racist and homophobic language. Following, an appeals process, however, the decision has been made to significantly reduce the original sanctions imposed on two of the participants of the group chats.

As a School we understand the need for individuals to have the right of appeal and we recognise that due to matters of confidentiality we do not have all the facts of this case. However, further to these events we will be petitioning the University for a full review of the disciplinary and appeals processes and the support mechanisms which need to be enacted in such cases.

Behaviour of the kind exhibited by the students in this case is both abhorrent and unacceptable and is completely at odds with the values and ethos of our School. All those students and staff targeted and affected by these awful and disturbing events have our full sympathy and support.

WMS is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment in which its students and staff can thrive. We embody a culture of equality, dignity and diversity for all and fully support anyone who witnesses or experiences prejudice or discrimination of any kind: be assured, we will listen to you and help you. If you have any concerns in relation to this, please do not hesitate to talk confidentially to your personal tutor, your line manager, or to me.

Best wishes

Sudhesh Kumar
Dean of Medicine