Background:
Across the UK, and increasingly in Scotland, there is a growing fear of the impact of political radical movements that target migrants and minority communities. Proposals such as scrapping indefinite leave to remain threaten not only individuals and families but also of our society. These policies foster division, create uncertainty, and normalise hostility.
The Concern for Universities are this are places of diversity, community, and critical thought. Radical anti-migrant rhetoric threatens:
The wellbeing of international and EU students.
The stability of staff and families with settled status.
The values of inclusivity, fairness, and equity that higher education stands for.
The Solution: Love Thy Neighbour .The Love Thy Neighbour campaign offers a constructive and values-driven response. Rooted in compassion and social justice, it seeks to:
Raise Awareness — Inform students, staff, and communities about the risks posed by radical policies targeting migrants.
Provide Support — Offer guidance to those with settled status on the long and costly journey to citizenship, and create peer networks to share resources (e.g., study groups for the Life in the UK Test).
Promote Unity — Remind society that migrants are not a burden but essential contributors to culture, academia, and community life.
Build Resilience Against Hate — Encourage dialogue, critical reflection, and solidarity to prevent radical movements from gaining traction within our communities.
Why This Matters Now:
By 2029, many legal migrants will not have had time to secure citizenship due to waiting periods, tests, and fees. If radical policies take effect before then, families and students could face life-changing consequences.
We have already seen in the US how rights can be stripped quickly under radical leadership. Scotland must prepare and stand firm in solidarity.
Universities are uniquely placed to lead this conversation and support their diverse communities.
A Call to Universities
I invite the OU to:
Partner with Love Thy Neighbour in raising awareness among students and staff.
Allow space for events, study groups, and volunteer networks.
Publicly affirm their commitment to inclusivity and compassion.
Encourage academic contributions to policy, research, and public engagement on migration and human rights.
Conclusion:
Radical movements thrive on fear and division. The Love Thy Neighbor campaign is about creating the opposite: hope, unity, and solidarity. By embracing this campaign, universities can protect their communities and live out their values in a time of growing uncertainty.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581092562150
https://www.love-thy-neighbour.org/
info@love-thy-neighbour.org
I am Neila Burgess the Founder of the campaign and a OU student on my final year of a Bachelor degree in Social Science.