Leeds University Union Strengthens Online Community Guidelines

New measures introduced to promote respectful and inclusive online interactions

Leeds University Union (LUU) has recently updated its approach to managing online spaces in response to a rise in abusive language, including anti-Palestinian hatred and Islamophobia, on its social media channels. The Union has introduced new Community Guidelines aimed at fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all students engaging on its platforms.

Community Guidelines and zero-tolerance policy

The updated guidelines emphasise the importance of respectful communication and outline a zero-tolerance stance towards hate speech, bullying, personal attacks, and discrimination. This includes all forms of racism, such as Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian hatred, and antisemitism, as well as sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and classism.

To enforce these standards, LUU has committed to the following actions:

• Removing comments that violate the guidelines promptly upon identification.
• Providing explanations in the comments when posts are removed.
• Closing comment sections where necessary to protect individuals or communities.
• Reporting hate speech and harassment to relevant authorities when appropriate and when students can be identified.
• Blocking users who repeatedly breach the guidelines.

Commitment to inclusivity and equality

LUU’s approach to inclusivity extends beyond online conduct, reflecting a broader commitment to ensuring no discrimination occurs based on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. The Union notes this list is not exhaustive and pledges to address any form of discrimination.

The organisation highlights the value of equality and inclusion in building communities that are compassionate, creative, and resilient. It also states its ongoing dedication to being recognised as an anti-racist organisation, actively working to amplify the voices of students who have historically been marginalised.

Encouraging positive engagement

Students engaging with LUU’s social media channels are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new Community Guidelines to help maintain a safe and supportive online environment. The Union emphasises that these efforts aim to create a space where all members of the community feel they belong.