Forthcoming BBC programme on the Facebook group chat

We have recently shared with students and staff an update on the progress of reviews of our disciplinary processes and our values. As I’m sure you are, I am pleased to see these developments and I’m personally grateful to those of you who have participated in the reviews so far.

As you may be aware, on Tuesday 28 May the BBC is scheduled to air a programme on the group chat case at Warwick earlier this year. We are not in a position to comment on the content of the programme at this stage as we have not seen it nor participated in it, conscious of our ongoing reviews. However, we intend to issue communications after the broadcast on any key points that we feel able to address in order to clarify or respond.

It is understandable that the University continues to face scrutiny and media coverage on the matters the case has raised, and I appreciate the concerns within the Warwick community regarding the University’s handling of the case. We are working hard to address these through our reviews, and I hope that the publication of the reviews in summer 2019 will enable us to answer concerns, address any potential inaccuracies in media commentary, and take practical steps to adapt our processes and values to ensure they support our community and its wellbeing in our increasingly complex world.

We continue to offer wellbeing services for all students and staff who require support on any issue related to the group chat case or sexual misconduct more generally. If you would like to raise an incident or seek support, please do not hesitate to contact these services. Sexual misconduct or harassment of any kind is completely unacceptable, and we are committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the Warwick community. We also continue to encourage open dialogue and discussion about how we can ensure Warwick is a supportive and inclusive environment.

Best wishes, Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor