What’s going on there is deeply disturbing, and only serves to highlight the inequalities in our own society and, indeed, sector. While these may be uncomfortable to address, we need to do so meaningfully and in person, which is why we have kept our social media messaging to a minimum on #BlackoutTuesday.

The Academy promotes an environment of respect, inclusivity and equality in which racism and bigotry can play no part. Support is available for everyone in our community, but in particular we would like to acknowledge the experiences of our BAME staff and students during this very difficult time, and to lock arms with them in solidarity and support.

It is only as a community that we can make progress in stamping out racial inequality, and we would urge everyone to continue talking about the issues that have risen so tragically to the surface in the last few days.