Bracton Law Society has been disbanded by The Guild

Both the Guild and the Law school have decided to disband and replace the Bracton Law Society following an investigation.

This news comes after a series of racist messages were exposed by The Exeter Tab earlier this year.

As part of the investigation, all Law students were surveyed. It was found that 52.5 per cent of comments were negative and 41.7 per cent positive. BLS was found to be “starkly at odds with the values of both the Students’ Guild and the University of Exeter in terms of inclusivity, diversity and tolerance.”

The current president of BLS later released a statement on the BLS Facebook page, saying the decision was "not in light of the current committee's work" and that she was "incredibly proud of all the work that we have done this term in promoting diversity and making all law students feel welcome in the wider community".

She informed members that questions regarding "refunds and stash" would have to wait until after the society had met with the guild "to plan". The post ends with a promise that "this isn't the end".

A spokesman for the University of Exeter said: “After an incident involving students from the Bracton Law Society earlier this year, the University launched a major investigation that determined individual sanctions on those involved – this included expulsions, suspensions, and other significant penalties. Subsequently, the Students’ Guild and the University conducted a broader formal joint review of the Society and its operations.

"The Review Board determined that the conduct of the Society fell short of the standards and values of the University and Students’ Guild, and should therefore be disbanded.

"A new, distinct Law Society will be formed in its place, which will offer members a broad range of opportunities to broaden their skills, career development and employment opportunities. The Students’ Guild and the University are confident that the new society will ensure that current and future students have a society that is truly inclusive, and can all be proud of.”

VP Activities commented: “This year’s committee have made obvious improvements to the Bracton Law Society and I appreciate the steps they have taken.

"However, the legacy of a few students’ actions last year and the evidence collected by the review board this year has resulted in the recommendation to create a new society. This will provide the best opportunity for the society to move past the events of last year and to create a more positive legacy.”