Joint Statement
At the start of every varsity fixture, all participating students will collectively take the knee. This action serves the purpose of shedding light on the ongoing struggle for racial equality and ensuring continued attention on the pervasive issues of racism in both sports and broader society. Our gesture underscores the imperative for increased equality and inclusion, emphasising that racism persists despite progress.
Aligned with the approach of the Premier League, who have opted to strategically incorporate moments throughout the season to take the knee, we too stand against racism and this gesture is done at varsity to symbolise our collective stance against all forms of racism. Through this initiative, we reaffirm our solidarity with a shared commitment to combating discrimination.
Taking the knee forms an integral part of this Tell Your Story campaign aimed at fostering a more just and inclusive environment for all individuals, providing REM students (racially and ethnically marginalised students) the opportunity to voice their lived experiences free from fear of judgment or exclusion.
Signed by:
Toni Abiodun – Vice-President Student Engagement at Kent Students’ Union
Max Elvin – President (Engagement and Sports) at Christ Church Students’ Union
Pledge
This Varsity, we want our student groups to reflect on what they have done for the racial justice movement, and how they can continue to make a positive impact. Statistics reveal that systemic racism persists, with a significant portion of REM (Racially and Ethnically Marginalised, formerly known as BAME) individuals feeling unwelcome and unsafe in various environments. REM individuals are often underrepresented in leadership positions within university sports. This lack of representation can contribute to feelings and experiences of exclusion and marginalisation among REM students.
With our Tell Your Story campaign, we aim to emphasise the significance of inclusivity in all aspects of student life, including sports. We seek to dismantle barriers and ensure that all students feel accepted and supported in their athletic endeavours. Each of us holds the power to foster a more equitable and inclusive environment within our teams and sports communities. Together, we can strive for accessibility and inclusivity year-round.
We empower our students to be agents of change within their communities. We acknowledge our collective responsibility in creating a welcoming space where everyone can thrive, regardless of race or ethnicity. Therefore, this pledge is a commitment to the REM community that we will actively work towards fostering a more equitable and inclusive environment.
I, along with my team, pledge that:
- The fight for racial equality is ongoing, and we are committed to advancing this cause in every way possible.
- We will cultivate a club environment where all forms of discrimination are met with zero tolerance, and we will speak out against injustice whenever and wherever we encounter it.
- We will take proactive measures to instigate a cultural shift within our own clubs, as well as contribute to broader changes within Team Kent and the wider sporting community.
- We stand in solidarity with REM athletes, affirming our support for them regardless of their racial identity, and ensuring they are respected and welcomed within our clubs and teams.
By endorsing this pledge, my team and I commit to actively striving for inclusivity in our activities, recognising that perfection may not be immediate, but we will continuously strive to progress in the right direction.
Women in Sport Campaign (2025)
