Led by academics at the University of Manchester, a new report, Whose Campus, Whose Security? draws upon a national survey and localised interviews in Greater Manchester to centre on the perspectives of students. Published by the University’s Centre on Dynamics of Ethnicity, the report is the first substantive piece of work to consider this topic in the UK context.

In keeping with the University’s commitment to Social Responsibility and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, the national research warns that harmful securitisation practices can undermine efforts to create a welcoming environment for all students. The findings of the three-year project, show that although students often see campus security services, many are unsure about their role, with only 30.8% of respondents suggesting that security services keep them safe on campus.

The report also raises a number of specific concerns, including warning that racially minoritised students are particularly vulnerable to negative encounters. As such, campus securitisation is understood as an underdiscussed way in which institutional racism in higher education manifests: an important point given the commitment of many institutions to the Race Equality Charter mark. Concerns are also raised about how universities, and campus security services specifically, respond to mental health crises, incidents involving gender-based violence, and student activism. Ultimately, the work calls on higher education institutions to do much more to ensure an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students.

The report, the executive summary, and a graphic abstract can be accessed through the CoDE website, and pieces from the authors can be found in Times Higher Education, and WonkHE.