The post attracted millions of online engagements, and many positive and supportive messages about her work. Some of the comments however were racist and misogynistic attacks towards Rhianna’s mixed ethnic identity.  

The University has wholeheartedly condemned the racist and misogynistic abuse targeted at Rhianna, defended the legitimacy of academic inquiry, and unequivocally supported the academic freedom of our researchers to publish their work. 

The University cannot change all the ills of the world, but we can and will defend academic freedom and in particular the rights of minoritised colleagues to promulgate their work, free from abuse. 

If you’ve been affected by this, a range of University services are available. Further details can be found below.  

Support available for students  

Student Services (Email: studentservices@lboro.ac.uk, Tel: 01509 222765) offers a range of support, including mental health and wellbeing, and advice specifically for international students. One-to-one support with an advisor is also available. If you would like to access this support, please complete the online referral form.    

The University Chaplaincy (Email: cfschaplains@lboro.ac.uk, Tel: 01509 223741) offers a space for quiet reflection. University Chaplains are here to listen, here to care and here to help all staff and students. No appointment is necessary.       

If you feel your studies are being affected, you can contact your Academic School and/or Personal Tutors so that we can provide the right support to you. If you wish, you can also submit an individual Mitigating Circumstances claim to explain how you have been impacted by recent events. More information on this can be found in the Student Handbook.     

Support for staff     

Colleagues can access emotional support through our Employee Assistance Programme. More information can be found on our People and Organisational Development website.      

Should you need some time away, we would like to draw attention to our compassionate leave arrangements, including our specific policy related to race-based stress.