The vests said ‘I love rape’ and ‘fuck the Syrians’ (Picture: Facebook)

Students from Exeter University went out wearing hi-vis vests with ‘I love rape’, ‘Fuck the Syrians’ and swastikas scribbled all over them.

According to The Tab, the students were mainly studying courses such as Geology and Mining – which is why they went out wearing hi-vis and hard hats.

They went out for the ‘PPE’ – Personal Protective Equipment – pub crawl in Falmouth on Thursday night when they wore the offensive jackets.

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After receiving some backlash, some students turned their jackets inside out as they walked home.


The next day, messages sent to the society’s group chat warned people not to wear the offensive hi-vis to their mining practical lessons.



‘Whatever you do, do not wear your hi-vis from last night to your practical,’ a message, forwarded to The Tab, said. ‘I hope you enjoyed the evening but to stay safe do not wear anything from last night again.’

And a second message, sent by another member of the society, added: ‘Right guys. Last night was great fun but it’s definitely going to receive some consequences. Please destroy any hi-vis tops you have (you can make new ones next year). If you have any photos or videos, delete them NOW. This is for your best interest and us as a committee.’

Messages were sent to the group the next day telling them to destroy their vests and delete any photos (Picture: The Tab)

One student, who wished to remain anonymous, told the site: ‘We are aware that students on the CSM social last night had offensive comments written on hi-vis jackets.

‘We apologise for any offence caused from this on what is usually a light-hearted and fun traditional night for CSM students.’

A University of Exeter spokesman said: ‘The University of Exeter and the Falmouth and Exeter Students Union (FXU) have a zero-tolerance policy towards racist, misogynist or similarly highly-offensive behaviour of any form.

‘As soon as we were made aware of this incident we sought immediately to identify the students and organisers involved and demanded that all offensive material be removed.

‘An investigation was launched immediately and the consequences for anyone found to have breached our code of conduct will be determined by our disciplinary processes.

‘We take the welfare and wellbeing of all our students, and our relationship with the local community, very seriously and are extremely disappointed by these unacceptable actions displayed by a small number of students, and we apologise unreservedly for the offence caused.’