Incident and Initial Response
A university student, Jordan, reported experiencing racist abuse from two other students at a Halloween party in October 2024. After reporting the incident to Cardiff University, he waited a year before any action was taken. Initially, the university offered him £150 in compensation for the delay, which was later increased to £500 following a review.
Jordan had been living in student halls for about two months when the incident occurred. He had befriended another student, Sam, whose friends were attending the party.
Upon arrival, one of Sam's friends, Will, who was dressed as rapper Soulja Boy but carrying a gun prop, approached Jordan to comment on his prisoner costume. Will told Jordan he did not need to dress as a prisoner to look like a criminal.
"I'm the only black guy [at the party], so I'm not trying to start a problem, especially that soon into uni." Jordan said. "I said, 'racist jokes aren't really that funny,' and then Will said 'well I was considering going in black face'."
"It's fine I'm Soulja Boy," Will responded when Jordan called him out again.
After getting a drink, Jordan returned and spoke with Sam and another friend, Henry. Jordan asked Henry about the flavour of his vape, to which Henry replied it was banana and he disliked it but expected Jordan would like it.
"I didn't really believe it, I was thinking maybe he accidentally said that to me. I said, 'What? are you saying that because I'm black', and he just said 'yeah'." Jordan recalled.
"Racism is not funny," Jordan said, to which Henry responded, "well Sam is laughing."
"I told him how lucky he is saying that here, surrounded by everyone else who looks exactly like him, and that I'm the only person here to defend myself."
University Investigation and Sanctions
Jordan, now 21, did not report the incident to the police, feeling discouraged and believing the university would handle the matter internally. After a year-long investigation, the university upheld his complaint, stating:
"The comments made... were racist in their nature and wholly unacceptable and in breach of the expectations of student conduct."
The student conduct procedure outlined possible sanctions including writing an apology letter, attending an educational workshop, receiving a formal warning on record for a specified time, and being banned from graduation events.
Jordan expressed disappointment that the sanctions were those "usually available only for minor concerns."
"I just feel like it's been dealt with really badly. I just don't understand how they can classify it as racism and say it's a minor incident. How does that make any sense?" he said.
"I feel like every single person of race has been let down."
The university refused to disclose the sanctions imposed on Will and Henry, citing confidentiality and data protection regulations.
"I don't know how they've been sanctioned, [Will and Henry] smirk at me, still speak to me, even though they've been punished because of me." Jordan said.
Jordan requested a review of the decision, which was returned nearly three months later with no changes. The university increased the compensation offer from £150 to £500 for the delay.
Ongoing Impact and Concerns
Jordan has since encountered the two students on nights out, where they have attempted to interact with him. He fears they will graduate without any record of their racist behaviour accessible to employers.
"If they're saying that to me in public, what are they saying behind closed doors, what are they saying online and to other people who agree with them?"
He said he has been left to manage the situation alone over the past year.
"Even thinking about it now, I'm getting the sinking feeling, it's been a year of just thinking 'I really hope I don't bump into them'."
"I feel like if it were the other way around, it would be dealt with so differently.
"Since I was little, I've always felt I've got into trouble for things I didn't do. I feel like this is even more personal than it already was, because it annoys me to know that if I did the same thing, I could be kicked out. I could have a different reaction to what they've got."
University Statement and Wider Context
Cardiff University stated it condemns racism in all its forms and takes allegations seriously. It said it has robust procedures to investigate complaints and take action based on evidence but declined to comment on the outcome of this individual case.
The university noted students could escalate concerns to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator or report incidents to the police.
"We recognise that there is still a huge amount of work to do. Racism and racial harassment remain a significant problem in higher education institutions across Wales and the UK, and for wider society.
"We are committed to open, transparent and challenging dialogue on racism, and on equality, diversity and inclusion."
This article contains references to racism. All names of people involved have been changed.
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