Frequently asked questions

  1. What is No Space for Hate?

    It is an approach towards dealing with incidents of hate and harassment. Students can discuss any incidents of hate and harassment which have affected them or others and find out more about reporting them to the university through a range of options.
  2. How can I get involved and support the project?

    Training is being developed for you to complete and you can contact DSU to find out more about how to get involved in the project.

    You can find out more about hate crime and incidents through this online course.

  3. Can I speak with the university about microaggressions?

    You can speak to the team about microaggressions by calling them 0116 207 8309 or emailing them nsfh@dmu.ac.uk.
  4. Will breaches of regulations be dealt with consistently across the board?

    Each case bought forward will be reviewed individually and in line with our NSFH policy and student regulations. There will not be a one size fits all approach.
  5. Can I talk to the university about something that happened a while ago?

    Yes. We will offer advice to students who have been victims or witnesses to hate and harassment no matter where or when it happened.
  6. Can I report something anonymously?

    Yes, you can do this through our anonymous reporting form. This information is used to make change across the university.
  7. What is defined as hate, harassment, or a microaggression?

    Hate: A hate incident is defined as prejudice or motivated action, which occurs when someone targets an individual because of their membership to a certain social group or race. Examples of this include: race, religion, faith or belief, disability, gender and sexual orientation.​

    Hate incidents can include but is not limited to: Verbal abuse, Physical attacks, Threats of violence, Hoax calls/abusive messages/hate mail, Online abuse, Displaying or circulating discriminatory literature, Harm or damage to things such as home/pets/vehicles, Graffiti and arson and malicious complaints.​

    Harassment: Harassment is defined as unwanted behaviour, which you find offensive, or which makes you feel intimidated or humiliated. Examples may include:

    • Offensive or intimidating comments or gestures 

    • Unwanted physical conduct or ‘horseplay’, including touching, pinching, pushing, grabbing, brushing past someone, invading their personal space and more serious forms of physical or sexual assault

    • Mocking, mimicking or belittling a person because of their individual characteristics

    • Patterns of behaviour that are received as microaggressions

    • Racist, sexist, homophobic or ageist jokes or pranks, or derogatory remarks about a particular group of people

    • Outing or threatening to out someone as gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans, or unwanted questioning about a person's identity, including about their sexual orientation or gender identity

    • Ignoring or shunning someone because of their characteristics, for example, by deliberately excluding them from a conversation or a social activity.

    • Continued invitations to person to engage in social activity after it has been made clear by that person that such suggestions are unwelcome

    • The open display of pictures or objects with sexual or racial overtones, even if not directed at any particular person, e.g. pictures, screen savers, calendars

    • Sending material that is of a sexual nature or that some people may find offensive (including emails, text messages, video clips and images sent by mobile phone or posted on the internet or social media. See also the university's Email, Internet and Social Media (EISM) Policy.

    Microaggression: 'Microaggression' is a term used for brief and commonplace daily verbal, behavioural, or environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative prejudicial slights and insults toward any group, particularly culturally marginalised groups. Examples might include:

    • Telling someone “Your English is so good” 

    • Calling something you find strange "gay"

    • Telling a woman she needs to smile more

    • Asking a person of colour "Where are you really from?"

    You can read more about these terms in the policy document.

  8. If I decide not to report anonymously but don’t want the other person to know my identity can that be accommodated?

    No, you will need to make a formal report to DMU Security, which the No Space for Hate project can support you with.

    In order for an investigation to take place the other person would need to be notified of the allegation. The university has a duty of care to all students and will handle all cases sensitively.

    You can report anonymously through our anonymous reporting form, however, the form does not allow free text comments to protect victims, witnesses and those who are accused.