Abuse, Inaction and Ignorance

Last month, The Tab revealed one student’s story of abuse at uni. Now, a graduate tells us about his terrifying experiences of racial abuse in halls.


Last month, The Tab revealed one student’s horrific abuse at the university.  Now, a former student opens up about his terrifying experiences of racial abuse while in halls.

It all began in Fresher’s 2009, when Ahmed* moved into Lady Mountford Hall as the only Asian male on his floor.

Within the first two weeks, cracks emerged as his flatmate’s excessive rowdiness after nights out became out of hand.

Students have produced worrying stories about life at Liverpool

After confronting him, a football was then viciously kicked at his door as the rest of his floor decided they’d “teach him a lesson.”

He overheard them say:

“We’ve had enough of him.  Fucking little paki, who does he think he is?”

One of them continued, “I’m going to throw pork in his food next time.”

Ahmed immediately reported this to the warden, who told him they “see this stuff quite a lot […] It’s just a difference of culture, not racism.  I think you need to get to know them some more.”

The tension built up and remarks were still made, even after Ahmed had moved halls to escape from the abuse.

Ahmed proceeded to lodge an official complaint to a senior member of staff, who insisted it was just a misunderstanding.

The issue was delayed until second semester, when Ahmed was forced to contact other senior staff, who recommended he reported the incidents to the police.

The issue was subsequently dealt with by the police, although the university refused to pursue their investigation as the police were involved.

After the police investigation had finished, Ahmed contacted the senior member of staff again to alert them to the fact they could continue with their investigation.

He didn’t receive a reply until one week before the end of the year, resulting in the case being delayed until his second year.

Second year began, and the abuse continued. Yet after sending three emails to the university with no response, he was eventually contacted, being told his emails went straight to their junk box.

The issue was delayed and delayed, until eventually Ahmed graduated.

Infuriated his abuse was not taken seriously by the university, Ahmed felt as though they “tried to kick it into the grass.”

He claims “senior management do not care about diversity.  Why does it take three years to investigate a complaint?”

He says he finds the senior management “absolutely useless. The staff are not trained in diversity and don’t live up to it.”

A University spokesperson told The Tab: “Equality and diversity are fundamental to the University’s ethos. The University does not tolerate any form of bullying or harassment and appropriate disciplinary action is taken against any individuals found responsible for such behaviour.

“The University has robust procedures in place to deal with allegations of misconduct and complaints raised by students are fully investigated – some investigations involve both the Police and the University. Our procedures also allow students to raise a complaint with the institution if they have concerns about the way an investigation has been carried out.

“The University will not discuss individual cases.”

If you are suffering from any form of abuse, you are advised to contact the Bullying and Harassment Advisors.

*Ahmed is not the student’s real name

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