Following the scheduling of “The Mighty Oak Dinner: An Evening with Sir Desmond Swayne”, BAME students at the University have been highly critical of the off-campus event, which has not currently been approved by YUSU and is under review.
MP Desmond Swayne has been accused of racial insensitivity through his defence of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s use of blackface in 2019, calling the usage an “entirely acceptable bit of fun” according to an MSN report. The Conservative MP also hinted that he had worn blackface himself, stating he “went to some trouble to be as authentic as possible” according to the Telegraph.
A racially charged practice in which people of colour are charicatured, the media’s use of blackface was reviewed following the murder of George Floyd in 2020.
As the event is off-campus, the University and YUSU has limited jurisdiction, however still has responsibility and accountability over the society. The event is under review by YUSU, with Activities Officer Rohan Ashar explaining:
“The permittance of events like this happening ultimately comes down to a matter of law. It unfortunately goes way above YUSU’s head because we are bound by the government and, by extension, the University’s rules, so we must facilitate things unless the event itself is directly discriminatory.”
First speaking to Zara Sharif, Derwent JCR Chair, Vision asked about her lack of confidence in the University:
“I never had any confidence that the University cared about BAME students or students from any marginalised communities. It’s incredibly disappointing to see such a speaker allowed at an [off campus] event, especially after the significant backlash after the recent Free Speech Society event. It’s also incredibly disheartening to see YUSU allow an event like this to take place, and have a constitution that allows this despite the risk to ethnic minority students.”
Zara also demonstrated the need for the University to support students affected by controversial speakers, both during targeted events and throughout their university career:
“In general at York there is a significant lack of support for BAME students, and very little is done when instances of racism occur.
The University and YUSU need to take a very hard look at themselves and their supposed intention of anti-racism, because when they allow events like this to happen it just proves that it is completely superficial surface level, and there is no genuine dedication to fighting racism and protecting students. They must stop virtue signalling without any genuine change.”
YUSU BAME Officer Emilia also elaborated on the need for the University to actively support BAME students:
“The phrase ‘Anti-Racist’ must not be allowed to become another meaningless, corporatized buzz-word. Real anti racism saves minoritised lives. To be truly anti racist an organisation must be proactive in its approach to tackling claims and instances of racism. So far we have yet to see this from the University, and this instance is a prime example. There is absolutely NO room for racism on our campus. We acknowledge the importance of free speech, but this does not and cannot include hatred.”
A University of York spokesperson said:
“Our approach to tackling racism is first and foremost based on listening to experiences. We will absolutely be following up on this feedback.
“We are working to educate and raise awareness across the University about the harm caused by many forms of racism, be it overt or hidden. Our Race Equality Coordination Group is here to take action and students can find out the latest on our race equality action plan by searching online for York and ‘let’s talk about race and racism’.”
Vision then asked Emilia on the steps the BAME network have been taking to prevent the event from being approved, and the communication with YUSU during the process:
“On 7th September, when the event was first announced, The YUSU BAME Network (run by elected student volunteers) brought it to YUSU’s attention. Since then, we have been in ongoing conversations with YUSU, gathering information and discussing their plans moving forward.
“The BAME Network committee sent a letter to the Tory Society on 10th September, expressing our concern about the event and calling for his invitation to be revoked. They have yet to reply, which is obviously very disappointing.
“Ultimately, someone who holds such abhorrent views should not be welcomed into our University’s community and space. We see no need for us to tolerate someone whose views are themselves so actively harmful and exclusionary.”
A University of York spokesperson said:
“When one of our Students’ Union societies organises events on University premises and requests external speakers to attend, there is a comprehensive process to follow – with YUSU, and if appropriate, the University – before anything goes ahead.
“In general, there are legal limits to what the University could do to stop events happening, especially one being held off campus at a hotel.
“We know many of our students disagree with society invitations, and in this sense, we appreciate the limits placed on us legally – including the duty to uphold lawful free speech – can create tensions with our ethos of being an inclusive and welcoming community.
“We recognise this particular event is causing upset, and having been alerted to these plans, we will work with YUSU and its societies to address the impact of any such event going ahead.”
As a student leader, Vision asked Zara about how she has been personally affected by the event despite it not yet being approved:
“It’s incredibly sad to see this event happening in general, but also right when all of the new freshers will be joining the University. I know as a person of colour I was terrified coming to York as the University is notorious for how white it is, and in my first few weeks (and still sometimes now) I felt incredibly overwhelmed by the lack of diversity, and the lack of support for BAME students, and from the racism that myself and my peers experienced.
“It honestly feels like a slap in the face from the University and Student Union that I volunteer so much of my time to, and pay nine grand to attend.
“I used to be BAME Rep for Derwent before I was Chair, and during Freshers Week the number one question I got asked was “Is it really as bad as they say?”.
“If you are a BAME student who also feels affected by this event, me and the rest of the BAME Network are always here to support you and advocate for you. If the Tory Society event is allowed to take place we will be holding our own wellbeing event alongside it for BAME students to come together and be part of a community.
“If you are in Derwent, I am always around if you ever need to talk, and I will always do as much as I can to support you and make you feel involved in the college community.”
Finally, Vision spoke to Emilia about the ongoing nature of the event and any security measures that may be put in place should the event be approved:
“Through communication with YUSU we know that as things stand the event has not yet received approval to go ahead.
“As we understand it, YUSU are limited in what they can do to prevent this event from taking place due to their by-laws which are shaped by governmental free-speech regulations and national restrictions on the power of Student Unions.
“We have heard that YUSU are currently in conversation with the Tory Society about making the event more debate-like in style, as opposed to a one-sided argument. Whilst this is a step in the right direction, matters of basic human rights such as the right to live in a society free of discrimination are not up for debate whatsoever, even if there is a central monitor and ‘both sides’ are represented.”
Rohan Ashar, YUSU Activities officer, also commented on the event:
“I am using my own right to free speech in being vocal that I do not think groups should want people like Desmond Swayne to participate within the student community, as it constitutes a significant lack of care for inclusivity and our BAME cohort.
“A few weeks ago, I requested a meeting with the University about free speech and the applicable legislation, since it is an area in which I am very interested and would like to address, even if it is just to gain more clarity for everyone (which is necessary before we begin taking steps towards institutional change). I totally agree that the University can do more to both be truly anti-racist and deal with racism better.
“From personal experience, I know that York has problems with racial ignorance and attitudes around ethnic diversity. I am therefore determined to work with many people (such as Emilia, Zara, the rest of the YUSU BAME committee, and staff) and bring meaningful conversations about race and diversity to a higher level than probably previously ever achieved here.”
Vision has reached out to Tory Society for a comment on the event.
If you have been affected by the issues raised in this article, do not suffer alone. Resources can be found on the University website, including https://www.york.ac.uk/about/equality/talk-about-race/, https://www.york.ac.uk/about/equality/talk-about-race/speak-up/ and https://www.york.ac.uk/students/support/bame-students/anti-racism-for-allies/. The University’s Open Door team are also available for support.