Exeter University launches 'racism' probe into private messages sent between members of prestigious law society
A university has launched a probe into alleged racist conversations between members of a prestigious law society in a private chat group.
The messages, that contain racist language and references to slavery, are alleged to have been sent among members of a law society at the University of Exeter by students destined to become senior lawyers, barristers and judges.
The messages were included in a private WhatsApp group and were reported to the university and guild and shared on social media by student Arsalan Motavali.
The messages include references to sending black people home, using extreme racist terms, the phrases ‘dirty Arabs’ and ‘if you aint English goes home’ and discusses a stabbing which the messages say should have gone further.
It also says the law society should be for whites only and includes rape jokes, as well as referencing the infamous Rivers of Blood speech.
Investigations are now being carried out by the university and the students union – the Exeter Guild.
The society those sending the messages belonged to has also pledged to take action.
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Mr Motavali said he initially created the chat group in 2017 but over time was removed as admin as it was taken over by other students.
He said: ‘All of the screenshots need no explanation. Repeated racial slurs, a call for a race war and racially insulting peers would be enough to get individuals severely disciplined, fired and shunned in any other workplace – the Guild, University and BLS should act no differently.
‘I refuse to stand by and let such people who speak in these terms go on to recruit at future law firms or be part of University culture, whilst cowering behind their phones and talking like this about people that are part of the society they represent.
‘If you’re going to be a racist be a racist, but just be prepared to face the consequences that come with being such a person.’
As the messages were shared to hundreds of thousands of people, Exeter University tweeted: ‘We unreservedly condemn any act of racism.’
It added: ‘Incidents of this nature should not, and will not, be tolerated and we are committed to eradicating any form of discrimination or harassment, wherever it may appear.’
The Bracton Law Society said it ‘has taken the decision to remove those involved from committee… and indefinitely banned all those involved from the Society’.
The society sent a message to members that stated: ‘The views expressed by the individuals involved do not in any way whatsoever represent the Society or its ethos.’
In response to the allegations made against some of our students, we unreservedly condemn any act of racism. Incidents of this nature should not, and will not, be tolerated and we are committed to eradicating any form of discrimination or harassment, wherever it may appear. (1/2)
— University of Exeter (@UniofExeter) March 19, 2018
.@ExeterGuild are investigating allegations regarding conduct of society leaders. We cannot comment until the investigation concludes. Where members have broken the code of conduct we will take action, referring to University disciplinary processes where necessary. (2/2)
— University of Exeter (@UniofExeter) March 19, 2018
The University of Exeter does not tolerate any form of racist, sexist or bigoted behaviour and is committed to eradicating any instances of discrimination and harassment that may arise.
— University of Exeter (@UniofExeter) March 20, 2018
Following reports of allegations involving a small group of students, the University has launched a major investigation, in conjunction with the Students’ Guild, and suspended the students while this takes place. The police have also been informed.
— University of Exeter (@UniofExeter) March 20, 2018
While it would be inappropriate to comment further while investigations take place, full disciplinary action will be taken as appropriate.
— University of Exeter (@UniofExeter) March 20, 2018
The Exeter Guild said: ‘We and the University of Exeter have zero tolerance for racist behaviour from anyone in the Exeter University Community.
‘We take any allegation of this behaviour very seriously and are investigating the ones that have become public today since they were brought to our attention. Where members have broken the Guild’s or University codes of conduct, appropriate action will be taken.’
Law firm Hill Dickinson, at which at least one of those accused of sending messages claims to have a job, today said: ‘We are looking into this as a matter of urgency and will be conducting a full investigation into these allegations.
‘We will not be commenting any further until the investigation has concluded.’