Babble Editorial Statement

Dear Readers,

The Babble Committee stands in solidarity with BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) students, staff and other members of the University of Edinburgh community. We are making a commitment to fostering an antiracist environment as we proudly highlight the work of our talented European language students. As members of the Department of European Languages and Cultures, we have a responsibility to promote the diverse voices, cultures, experiences and creativity within the languages we teach and study.

We want Babble to be a safe place for its writers and collaborators, where anyone who wants to contribute feels comfortable to do so. This safe space means fostering an antiracist environment on campus. We are a small digital publication with a limited outreach, but we each have a role to play in ending the systemic and institutional racism that is entrenched so deeply in our everyday lives.

We extend our support to the BlackEd and Racism Unmasked movements, founded by students of the University to combat racism on campus and in the community. We believe that sustainable and systemic change is the only option for pursuing justice. We do not intend on displays of performative allyship and are committed to the following actions:

• Making it a priority to promote  the diverse voices within the languages represented by DELC, using this to highlight the work of BIPOC writers who have been ignored and disregarded for too long;
• Ensuring our committee, publications and events are all antiracist spaces that welcome, appreciate and amplify BIPOC voices;
• Promoting the use of inclusive language on all our platforms. When we say that we support our BIPOC community, we mean every member, regardless of gender, sexuality, religion, disability, age and all other characteristics ;
• Continuing dialogues on the committee about sustainable antiracist actions and changes we can implement, both as individuals and as a publication.  As individuals we are all constantly checking our privileges and making sure we are not drowning out the BIPOC voices we seek to amplify;
• Upholding a zero-tolerance policy for racism from committee members and contributors. Perpetrators of racism and anti-Blackness will be reported and sanctioned in line with University procedures.

Being an ally is not something you become; it is something you do. As a starting point, we suggest that you use the resources available on our LLC Anti-Racist Hub.

We hope you are well and safe, and if you need extra support during this time, we urge you to reach out to Student Support and others close to you. We ask you all to look out for each other and to consider how you can actively and helpfully show solidarity with the BIPOC community, and all other groups experiencing prejudice and discrimination.

The Babble Committee

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Support for students and staff affected by racism