Lancaster University Students’ Union BME officer told to “stop being a Zionist shill” and a “gay n*****r” in appalling responses to feedback form
Lancaster University’s Students’ Union’s Black and Minority Ethnic Officer was told to “stop being a Zionist shill” and ““stop being a gay n*****r” in a feedback form.
Last Wednesday, Max Kafula contacted students inviting them to provide feedback on his work in his capacity as an officer in the Students’ Union, but he was forced to shut down the online portal following a spate a antisemitic, racist and homophobic abuse.
The responses quoted above came in reply to a question on the form: “If you said that you did not have confidence in me, what could I do to improve it?”
In another question, Mr Kafula asked for suggestions of what he could do in the remainder of his term in office. One response was: “Stop selling out to the illegitimate state of Israel.”
In a statement on social media, Mr Kafula wrote: “This is not only outright homophobic, racist and antisemitic, but it is also absolutely disgusting,” adding: “No one should even have these views.”
He has reported the comments to the police as a hate crime, reportedly saying: “No ifs, no buts, it’s a textbook hate crime.”
In a statement, the Students’ Union said it is “shocked, disgusted and disappointed to have to report that a member of its officer team has been subjected to horrific racist and homophobic abuse,” adding: “We do not expect anyone associated with us, either through work or volunteering, to be exposed to such horrid vitriol. We also do not expect such hate within our university community, but it’s a stark reminder of why it’s so important that we keep pushing for equality.”
Lancaster University recently adopted the International Definition of Antisemitism after a campaign by Jewish students.
Binyomin Gilbert, Programme Manager at Campaign Against Antisemitism, said: “Antisemitic, racist and homophobic abuse is absolutely unacceptable. The perpetrators behind these cruel obscenities must be identified and sanctioned. Lancaster University recently adopted the International Definition of Antisemitism; sadly, it now has an opportunity to apply it.”
If any students are concerned about antisemitism on campus or need assistance, they can call us on 0330 822 0321, or e-mail [email protected].
