Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Calendar 2026

Monthly News - June 2026

International Day for Countering Hate Speech

This UN observance is centred around a need to promote community cohesion, tolerance and understanding. Whilst hate speech is targeted at individuals or groups with shared identity, the impact is felt much wider, supporting divisive narratives.

Hate speech is not only verbal and can also be delivered in writing. The growth of social media and the anonymity afforded in online spaces has seen an unacceptable culture evolving where individuals feel comfortable directing hate speech at vulnerable and marginalised groups. This fuels cultural conflicts, exclusionary behaviour, and stigmatisation, and distracts from access to factual information and opportunities for learning. Hate speech can also lead to acts of violence.

As part of the observance, there is a call to better recording of incidences so that targeted intervention can respond to trends. One effective way to countering hate speech is early intervention, which may be reporting hate speech to moderators on online platforms, or questioning comments made in social groups. Setting a clear boundary of what is acceptable and tolerated can reduce the normalisation and escalation of hate speech. Our University community can disclose instances of unacceptable behaviour through our discrete reporting platform and gain access to internal and external sources of support.

The #NoToHate campaign aims to reinforce the message that all people deserve to be treated with kindness and respect, reminding people that it is never just a comment.

What this Day means to me

The International Day for Countering Hate Speech is both a moment for reflection and a call to responsibility. As a white, middle-class male, I recognise the privilege I hold and that I’m less likely to be directly impacted by hate speech. I also understand how important it is to listen to people with lived experience, so I can better understand, support, and play a part in driving positive culture change. That said, from a bystander and moral perspective, I find it deeply unsettling and saddened when it happens and is a stark reminder that this is still very much present in our society.

Hate speech is divisive. I’ve seen, first-hand, the strain and discomfort it can create in family relationships when harmful views are challenged. Those conversations aren’t easy, but they matter and they are necessary to stop prejudice from taking root and spreading further. As a parent, I want my children to see that it’s okay to speak up and challenge appropriately, even when it’s uncomfortable, so they feel able to do the same as they grow up. I see that as part of my responsibility.

In my lifetime, it feels more important than ever that we stand together amplifying voices that aren’t always heard and challenging harmful narratives when we see them. In a university setting, that means creating an environment where people understand the difference between free speech and hate speech, and where respect, empathy, and shared humanity are at the centre. For me, this day is also a personal call to action: to keep learning, to speak up for those who may not feel able to, and to stay open to different perspectives. I’d encourage others to do the same.

Nathan, Head of Safeguarding

2026 calendar

Our EDI calendar can help create an inclusive work and study environment, it can also inspire students, staff and visitors to take part in key celebrations and/or remembrance events.

The calendar highlights faith days observed or celebrated, key diversity days, awareness raising dates and public holidays.

It also focuses on the six main religions as identified in the Census of England and Wales; Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism, All other religions and beliefs not included on the calendar are equally as valued and considered across our work.

Please note: The dates in the calendar were correct at the time of publication in April 2026.

To provide feedback on the calendar, please contact [email protected]