Racists attack Staffs University during Assed Baig referendum
By Natasha Chumber: Staffordshire University has been attacked by racists who plastered graffiti over the Student Union building.
racist graffiti
The words ‘No Pakis’ and a swastika were spray-painted onto the door of the union building during last night.
The attack comes as a vote of no confidence has been launched against the controversial Student Union President Assed Baig.
Baig said today: “I’m upset it has come to this, but all we can do is carry on campaigning.
“I think the ‘No Campaign’ has allowed a climate of racism so it’s no real surprise it has happened.
“I think people have already made their minds up, but I have the support of ‘Love Music Hate Racism’, ‘Unite Against Facism’ and Student Unions across the country and who have they got?”
However Laurence Hardy, leader of the “Vote No” campaign, says the attack against the union was a “disgraceful and truly deprived act.”
Mr Hardy said his campaign wants hope, not hate.
He told StaffsLive: “Such comments are not what this vote is about. I and my campaigners believe in the strength we gain from a multi-cultural union and the campaign does not, and never will condone prejudice of any kind.”
The attack has stoked the already high emotions among some students.
Charlotte McKenzie, 20, said: “I feel awful and terrible about this. Nobody likes seeing this and you think you grow out of this when you are in school, but clearly not.
The attack follows the English Defence League’s rally in Hanley on January 23, which led to public disorder, violence and several arrests.
Another student Viresh Padhiar, 21, said: “I think this is disgusting. It makes you feel worried about being around the uni. It leaves you feeling insecure about what could happen next.”
Kellie Hill has more…
Yes Assed, because every one who stands against you is a racist.
The racism card is played too often in cases like this and, whilst the graffiti is indeed racist, there is nothing connecting it to the “Vote No” campaign.
Who says it was done by anyone from the University? He’s got ‘enemies’ such as the BNP on the outside, they could have easily strolled in off the streets and daubed this graffiti all over the floor.
I feel disgusted about this grafitti and mindless vandalism and hope the person/s are caught.
However, implying that if people vote No, there will be no multiculture at the University, is ridiculous. I have been outraged at The ‘presidents’ antics as I feel that he is using the university and its resources to launch his own personal crusade.
Mr Baig, it is your competence that is under scrutiny, not your faith,gender,colour,background etc. etc. I will be voting tomorrow, based on facts and my own educated decisions. I have a disscusion on Facebook if you would like to contribute.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/topic.php?uid=222609885914&topic=15822
hang on..until the CCTV coverage identifies the culprits how can he immediatly target the opposing party, seemless timing one would say right in the middle of an election. No one in the opposition would be that stupid to risk the vote of no confidence.
tomdonlan!!! yes!!! I TOTALLY AGREE, I have voted “no”. but i still want to live and study in a prejudice free environment… I USE THE WORD PREJUDICE RATHER THAN RACISM TO INCLUDE ALL COLOURS, CREEDS, NANTIONALITIES, SEXUAL ORIENTATION’S RELIGIONS ETC… open your eyes Assed, we dont want you out for your colour or religion, we want you out cause we don’t think you’re right for the position, you’ve embarrassed us and slipped up. we want what’s best for the uni!
I think a minority of students have had issue with me: not true. The vote of no confidence votes – “626 were cast in support of the President and 1014 against” so basically 61% want to get rid of him but thats not quite enough. I call BS, his ‘campaign’ for yes was basically “not a racist? vote yes – love the bnp? vote no” wtf was that, poisoning the minds of a load of voters just to scrape by in a vote that should have got rid of him.
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