He said: "I want to apologise on behalf of Kent Union to any individuals who were upset, uncomfortable or offended by the image shared.

"There was no intent for this to happen and I am very sorry to anybody who felt this way. "I also feel it is important to explain the context behind how this happened.

"As a students' union we are led by our members; over 2,000 volunteers who give up their time to run campaigns and events.

"This is through a wide range of activity be it sports clubs, societies, campaign groups, elected. "This is through a wide range of activity be it sports clubs, societies, campaign groups, elected officers and so forth.

"The Black History Month calendar of events was led and run by these students and supported by the organisation. The activity for the month was decided by open meetings attended by black and minority ethnic students.

"I hope that the passion ignited in many people in the last 12 hours will continue and that students will become further involved in leading our black and minority ethnic work."