York leaders have united to condemn a ‘completely unacceptable’ rise in incidents of harassment, racism and intimidation in the city.
City of York Council leader Claire Douglas and York’s colleges and universities have released a strongly worded joint statement this morning (Friday).
It comes after a series of racist and intimidatory incidents in York, including offensive graffiti scrawled on a Chinese takeaway and in a city park.
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Meanwhile police arrested someone after a flag with a threatening message was draped over York city walls.
Cllr Douglas said York is “built on its civic pride, history of social justice and strong communities”.
City of York Council leader Claire Douglas. Photograph: Supplied
She said York council staff “support our communities every single day. Whether they are maintaining our streets, caring for vulnerable residents, or responding to concerns from the public, their work is essential to the wellbeing and safety of everyone in York”.
“It is therefore deeply concerning that a small number of residents have chosen to abuse, intimidate and harass our staff while they carry out their duties,” the Labour leader said.
“This behaviour is completely unacceptable. We have a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of any kind, and we are working closely with North Yorkshire Police to report and respond to any incidents.”
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Claire Douglas: Statement in full
“York is built on its civic pride, history of social justice and strong communities. Each and every day, residents come together and volunteer their time to support one another, care for their neighbours, and contribute to the shared wellbeing of our city.
“York is built on its civic pride, history of social justice and strong communities. Each and every day, residents come together and volunteer their time to support one another, care for their neighbours, and contribute to the shared wellbeing of our city. That spirit of unity is what drives our pride in our city and makes York such a special place to live.
“It’s vital that we continue to foster respect, kindness and cooperation across our communities. When residents, staff, contractors and local organisations work together, we create a safe, welcoming and inclusive city for everyone. We all have a role to play in upholding these values and ensuring that York remains a place where people feel proud to live, work and belong.
“Our staff support our communities every single day. Whether they are maintaining our streets, caring for vulnerable residents, or responding to concerns from the public, their work is essential to the wellbeing and safety of everyone in York. Alongside them, our contractors also deliver key services with professionalism and care, and deserve the same respect and protection they give others.
“It is therefore deeply concerning that a small number of residents have chosen to abuse, intimidate and harass our staff while they carry out their duties. This behaviour is completely unacceptable. We have a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of any kind, and we are working closely with North Yorkshire Police to report and respond to any incidents.
“Everyone must feel safe and respected at work. Our staff and contractors should be able to carry out their roles without fear or harassment. They are doing the tasks they have been directed to do with professionalism and dedication.
“The vast majority of our staff live in York. They are mums, dads, brothers, sisters, friends and neighbours—real people helping to serve our communities. Abuse directed at them is not only harmful to individuals—it undermines the very fabric of our city.
“We are proud of the professionalism and dedication our teams continue to show, even in the face of hostility. I want to be clear: we stand with our staff and contractors, and we will take all necessary steps to protect them.
“Let’s continue to build a city where respect, safety and community spirit are at the heart of everything we do. By coming together as residents, neighbours and partners, we can make York a place where everyone feels valued and safe.”
Askham Bryan College, York College, York St John University and the University of York issued a joint statement.
They are “collectively committed to fostering inclusive environments where diversity is celebrated and every individual is valued equally – regardless of background, belief, or identity”.
The statement continues: “We recognise the pride that many feel in their city and country, and we honour that pride through our commitment to openness and mutual respect.
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“However, we are also deeply concerned by unacceptable incidents of harassment, racist incidents and intimidation in recent weeks. This behaviour has no place in our communities, our campuses, or our city.
“Harassment, hate and discrimination will not be tolerated. Together, we will continue to work with our partners across York to ensure that every student, staff member, and resident feels safe, respected, and able to thrive.”
Colleges: Statement in full
“As York’s two colleges and two universities, we stand together in promoting unity, respect, and safety for all who live, work, and study in our city.
“As York’s two colleges and two universities, we stand together in promoting unity, respect, and safety for all who live, work, and study in our city.
“We are collectively committed to fostering inclusive environments where diversity is celebrated and every individual is valued equally—regardless of background, belief, or identity. Our institutions share a deep belief in the power of education to build understanding, challenge prejudice, and strengthen communities.
“We recognise the pride that many feel in their city and country, and we honour that pride through our commitment to openness and mutual respect. However, we are also deeply concerned by unacceptable incidents of harassment, racist incidents and intimidation in recent weeks. This behaviour has no place in our communities, our campuses, or our city.
“Harassment, hate and discrimination will not be tolerated. Together, we will continue to work with our partners across York to ensure that every student, staff member, and resident feels safe, respected, and able to thrive.
“Our shared values unite us—and we reaffirm our commitment to equality, dignity, and compassion for all.”
