Student says Warwick University has ‘forgotten’ victims by allowing students who made rape jokes to return Two students previously banned for 10 years for their involvement in the chat are reported to be returning later this year

A student has accused Warwick University of forgetting the victims of an online chat which joked about raping women after it emerged two of the perpetrators would be returning to their studies.

The University of Warwick banned two students for 10 years after screenshots of messages with alleged anti-semitic, racist and misogynistic slurs emerged last year.

A third student was banned for life, while two more were required to withdraw from the university for a year.

The i newsletter cut through the noise Email address is invalid Email address is invalid Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, there was a problem with your subscription.

‘Forgotten and humilated’

Screenshots revealed the chat – named “Fuck women, Disrespect to them all” – included remarks such as “Rape her friends too” and “Sometimes it’s fun to just go wild and rape 100 girls”.

One of the women referenced in the chat has spoken of her anger following reports the two students handed 10-year bans will return later this year after winning appeals to have their punishments reduced.

In an open letter to the university published by student newspaper The Boar, the female student said allowing the pair back early meant “they have had nothing but a slap on the wrist”.

She wrote: “They have been in these sorts of chats before and whether it was a private chat or not, they made their intentions clear.

“The whole country saw the chat that was exposed. They then made another one. Even after being disciplined, there was no show of remorse.”

Although we've seen much discussion on recent events at Warwick, we’re unable to comment on individual discipline cases. We'd like to advise any students or staff who've been affected to contact Wellbeing Support Services or the Students’ Union Advice centre for support. — University of Warwick (@warwickuni) January 30, 2019

The student, who was writing anonymously, said the university had “forgotten about and humiliated” the victims.

“I feel terrified at the prospect of having these boys in my seminars and lectures, as they sit there feeling guilt-free,” she went on.

“Knowing that I may have to come face to face with them again just to continue my education is unacceptable.”

‘Robust’ discipline procedure

A spokesman for the University of Warwick said they were “unable to comment further on individual student cases”.

“But we can assure you that the university has a robust student discipline procedure that includes a detailed investigation and consideration of the case by a committee of senior academic staff and Students’ Union sabbatical officers,” they added.

The messages first emerged when they were published by The Boar last year.

One student wrote “love Hitler, hate n****s and Jews and Corbyn”. The group chat also included screen names “Grenfell” and “Taxi Jew”.

In a further statement, the university’s provost Professor Christine Ennew said they remained clear that the individuals’ behaviour was “both abhorrent and unacceptable in any circumstance”.

“The behaviour shown by the individuals concerned goes against all of our values as a community,” she said.

“We are sorry that the decision as a result of our processes has upset so many members of our own community and beyond.”