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Issue 12.6
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28 October 2016
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InQuire The University of Kent’s student newspaper
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A NATIONAL EMBARRASSMENT By Max Beckett Website Editor
K
ent Union experienced a flood of online criticism and one-star Facebook ratings after posting a biography of Zayn Malik on Tuesday 25 October, as part of their Black History Month campaign. A photo of Malik, who is halfBritish and half-Pakistani, is accompanied by an indepth account of his current accomplishments as a formerboyband member. Social media users and University of Kent students retaliated in a negative fashion, highlighting that he is neither black nor a prominent figure in black history. Another figure chosen to be one of six figureheads for the campaign was London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who is also not of African or Caribbean heritage, being from a British Pakistani family. This, alongside hundreds of ‘one-star’ ratings on Kent Union’s Facebook page indicate that students are very unhappy with the respect and the representation they have chosen for this annual movement. Many have also turned to Twitter to denounce the Union’s actions, including the official UK organisers for Black History Month. Kent Union has since deleted the post from social media,
and President Rory Murray has issued a lengthy apology and explanation to any individuals who were upset, saying “there was no intent for (the controversy) to happen”. In a joint statement from the Union and the University they said “Kent Union and the University of Kent regret any upset caused by campaign materials produced as part of the joint campaign for Black History Month 2016. “This year’s campaign was in line with the National Union of Students’ position on Black History Month, which chose to recognise and celebrate the immense contributions that people of African, Arab, Asian and Caribbean heritage make to humanity. “We would like to apologise for any offence or upset caused. “In the planning stages of Black History Month, Kent Union worked with students to develop a campaign that celebrated a range of ethnic cultures. However, we can see that many of our students disagree with the direction the campaign took and that a mistake was made. “We are unitedly committed to equality and inclusivity, working hard on behalf of discriminated-against groups, promoting an inclusive culture of equality of opportunity, and taking positive action to promote diversity. “The University and Kent Union support the inclusive work of our students.” For Women of Colour, a London-based organisation who aim to support black and mixed race women in the UK tweeted: “You cannot substitute one ethnic minority for another during BLACK history month. Continued on page 2