Report reveals scale of racism found in Scots universities
A NEW report from the Equality and Human Rights Commission has found widespread evidence of racial harassment at universities across the UK, including towards 11% of students in Scotland.
The inquiry found that 24% of ethnic minority students in the UK have experienced racial harassment on campus, along with 9% of white British students, a figure which amounts to equal to 13% of all current students in British universities.
Black and Asian students were those most affected, with 29% and 27% of students suffering racial harassment at one point during their university careers.
The University of Glasgow and Glasgow Caledonian University responded to the EHRC survey, but Glasgow School of Art did not.
Professor Andrea Nolan, the Convenor of Universities Scotland, told the Evening Times: “The findings are stark and challenging for universities and we must turn to face those findings and recommendations head on.
“We are committed to tackle racial harassment within universities.
“Universities in Scotland want people from all backgrounds to study in Scotland and thrive.
“Universities are a platform for people to flourish, we must ensure that always remains the case.”
Anas Sarwar, Labour MSP for Glasgow and chair of Holyrood’s Cross-Party Group on Tackling Islamophobia, said:
“This report is deeply concerning, revealing the extent of racial harassment at Scottish universities.
“Scotland is not immune from racism, and this shows how much work we still have to do to make our country more tolerant and inclusive.
“It’s equally concerning that antisemitic slurs have been reported, as well as anti-English sentiment.
“The fight against racism is a fight for all of us.”