Standing Together for a Welcoming UHI

Open Letter from UHI Scribblers: Standing Together for a Welcoming UHI

To the UHI Community,

In recent weeks, protests and demonstrations targeting immigrants and refugees have taken place in Inverness and across the Highlands. As these events unfold, many within our community—especially students of colour, international students, and those from migrant or refugee backgrounds—may feel the weight of heightened hostility or uncertainty.

We, the members of UHI Scribblers, want to say clearly and publicly: We see you. We welcome you. We stand with you.

The University of the Highlands and Islands is a place enriched by diversity of voices, of cultures, of lived experiences. No student should ever feel unsafe, unwelcome, or unsure of their place here. Access to education is a fundamental right, and every student deserves to pursue their studies with dignity, safety, and confidence.

We believe that now, more than ever, it is essential for our institution (students, staff, faculty, and leadership alike) to show collective support for the individuals most affected by these tensions. Solidarity cannot be passive; it must be voiced, shared, and acted upon.

We call on the UHI community to:

• Affirm your support for students of colour, international, migrant, and refugee students.
• Challenge misinformation and xenophobia wherever it appears.
• Foster safe spaces—both on campus and online—where all students are treated with respect.
• Actively contribute to a culture of inclusion and care.

We invite all who share these values to sign this letter, circulate it widely, and send it to fellow students, staff, administrators, and anyone across UHI who believes in a welcoming academic community. Your voice matters, and your solidarity can make a meaningful difference.

Let us show, together, that UHI is a place where everyone belongs.

With solidarity and hope,
UHI Scribblers