In the early hours of 6 November student media bins were graffitied with racial slurs. This occurred after a group of pro-Trump students left the American Election screening at Hendrix Hall, to boos and jeers from the crowd following repeated disturbances by the group.
At least three members of the group split off and vandalised student media bins with racial slurs and abusive messages. Copies of The Lemon Press were targeted and defaced (pictured).
Nouse can reveal all three individuals hold membership of The University of York Conservative & Unionist Association, or York Tories. The York Tories reported the incident to YorkSU.
The York Tories planned to hold an Emergency Meeting on the following Friday, to discuss the future of the involved members’ positions on committee. However this was not necessary, as the member involved resigned on Wednesday, following a threat of Vote of No Confidence and increased publicity surrounding the issue.
The group also reported the incident to YorkSU for further support.
YorkSU also met on 12 November with the York Tories to discuss the incident and further proceedings. The York Tories provided Nouse with the following statement: “The University of York Conservative Association condemns this abhorrent racism and will never stand for any form of discrimination. Those involved in these appalling allegations were reported to York SU as soon as the society found out and we are working closely with York SU, fully in support of any action they take.There is no room in our organisation for this behaviour.”
“Those who attended the American Elections at Hendrix Hall were not there to represent our society – they attended of their own volition. Therefore, the York Tories would like to reiterate that we are in no way associated with these detestable acts”
Nouse also understands that a formal investigation has been launched into the incident by YorkSU.
A YorkSU spokesperson told Nouse: “Whilst we can’t comment on individual incidents, we expect all students to uphold high levels of inclusivity, as SU activities should be spaces where everyone feels welcome and respected. We take any allegations of racism seriously and will be looking at the issue raised under the code of conduct.”
Nouse apologises for any error in the initial copy of this article which may have misled readers - any inaccuracies were amended. Nouse endeavours to uphold journalistic standards, and exists to inform students of the latest campus news, therefore maintaining political neutrality is fundamental.
