A university for all

Posted on 21 June 2021

Our new short film “A university for all” tells the story of how and why the University of York became a University of Sanctuary, joining over 20 other higher education institutions in the Universities of Sanctuary Network across the UK.

Featuring contributions from Student Action for Refugees, Refugee Action York, the Centre for Applied Human Rights, the Council for Academics at Risk and the Office for Philanthropic Partnerships and Alumni, students, staff and those working to support refugees in the city talk about the importance of the University of Sanctuary award and their hopes and aspirations for making the University of the York and the City of York a supportive and welcoming environment for all those seeking sanctuary.

The film was launched on Wednesday 16 June during York Refugee Week and was followed by a panel discussion chaired by MigNet's Co-Chair, Dr Sara de Jong including Dr Wayne Campbell (Academic Registrar University of York), refugee student Firas Chihi, Sarli Nana (Migrant Organiser, Yorkshire & the Humber Region, Migrants Organise Ltd), Prof. Simon Parker (Co-chair of the University of York Migration Network, Maryam Taher (former University of York Equal Access Scholar and currently Universities of Sanctuary Coordinator, Regional Coordinator for North West England and South/West Yorkshire, City of Sanctuary UK), and John Williamson, (Senior Project Worker, Refugee Action York [RAY]). The launch event concluded with a concert performed by current Department of Politics MA student Dan Webster and his band. See the recording of the round-table.

https://youtu.be/SIM2tgRMEus