There was a Stand Up To Racism gathering outside the SU yesterday

Last week, a video emerged of a Newcastle University student chanting racial and homophobic slurs. In response, the Newcastle University Stand Up To Racism Society held a solidarity gathering outside the Students' Union yesterday.

Students stood together in an effort to make their voices heard about campaigning for changes to be made. Ciaran Wakefield, a member of the society, did a speech strongly advising and encouraging students to fight discrimination on campus.

Clips from the event can be seen on The Newcastle Tab Instagram story.

Amongst the crowd were North East members from Stand Up To Racism, Newcastle University’s Racial Equality Officer, LGBT+ leaders, the Welfare and Equality Officer along with a large amount of members of the Men's Hockey Club.

Next Thursday, The Stand Up To Racism Society will be holding a joint meeting with the UCU centred around 'Keeping Racism Out Of The Election' which will take place at the Hotspur Pub from 11:30am until 3pm.

On December 5th, there will also be an event called "Kick Racism and Fascism Off Campus" from 6-7pm.

A spokesperson for Newcastle University’s Stand Up To Racism Society told The Newcastle Tab that they wanted to come down hard on racism on campus. They said: "This culture of racism must be stamped out before it becomes normalised. We start here, on campus, where the future politicians, scientists, doctors and engineers are being shaped.

"We stand in solidarity: black and white, gay and straight, against the racists and homophobes who have no place on our campus."

A petition is being circulated to hold the university accountable when dealing with a culture of racism. You can sign it here.