A group of students at several top Scottish universities are currently under investigation after a whistleblower shared a string of racist comments that were posted in a group chat the young men had previously participated in.
The students in question attend Edinburgh Napier University, the University of Dundee, the University of St Andrews and the University of Edinburgh.
The whistleblower - who is a female black student - says she was discussed at length by these young men in the chat, which was nicknamed 'Bam Squad'.
After one of the men denied that he was in a relationship with the woman in question, his friend called him a "monkey lover."
One of the men called another a "dirty n***** lover", another shared an image that simply said "n*****s".
Another said: "you'll be welcome in the hood."
The whistleblower also shared an apology she claims to have received from one of the young men who were involved in the racist group chat:
The woman - who shared the messages publicly on social media to put pressure on the universities in question to act - told Edinburgh Live: "Truly sad grown men can think it’s acceptable. I hope this at least this has brought some awareness."
She also said: "I hope this is a wake up call to everyone what you say on the internet lasts forever. All except one (who used another boys name to hide under) have blatantly presented themselves as racists and certainly not remorseful humans to this day. You are sorry you got caught."
One person responded to the woman, saying: "This behaviour is despicable, I'm so sorry you had to go through this."
The University of St Andrews thanked the woman for bringing the messages to their attention, adding: "this is currently with our University Discipline team to action and take forward with the student in question."
The University of Dundee is also believed to be investigating the messages.
An Edinburgh Napier spokesperson told Edinburgh Live:
"Edinburgh Napier University is committed to diversity and inclusion. We have zero tolerance for discrimination, and our community is doing all it possibly can to address the scourge of racism through our educational programmes, research, policy advice, disciplinary practice and public engagement.
"Behaviour which conflicts with our values is taken extremely seriously, and we can impose penalties up to permanent exclusion from the University.
"We can confirm we have received a complaint relating to posts circulating on social media and will be carrying out a thorough investigation."
And an Edinburgh University spokesperson said: "“The University is committed to promoting a positive culture which celebrates difference, challenges prejudice and ensures fairness. Our Code of Student Conduct sets out clear expectations of behaviour. The University takes all allegations of discrimination very seriously and has protocols in place to investigate these thoroughly.”
