Local Tory student group suspended by Warwick University over Nazi chant row

The University of Warwick has suspended a student group after a video emerged of members singing a Nazi march song at an event. The video was filmed at a black-tie dinner hosted by the University of Warwick Conservative Association (UWCA), The Sunday Times reported.

A university spokesman described the behavior in the video as “reprehensible” and launched an investigation that will last up to 90 days. UWCA apologized for footage of guests dancing to Erika, a song that has been appropriated by white supremacists.

In a statement, the group said the song was requested by an individual who is now banned from future events, and that most guests were unaware of the song’s connotations and would “fully cooperate” with the university’s investigation.

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The Sunday Times reported that a leaked video showed event attendees dancing and laughing.

Some members are alleged to have subsequently chanted “Kill the Hughs”, apparently substituting the word “Jews” for the association’s recently ousted chairman Hugh Herring’s first name, and declared “Heil the president”, according to the newspaper.

The university added that “anti-Semitism has no place on our campus,” with UWCA members consistently campaigning against anti-Semitism on campus and will continue to oppose discrimination.

The Union of Jewish Students previously said the “flagrant and unchallenged support for Nazism” was “utterly disgusting” and expected decisive action on the matter: “Nazi glorification has no place in our society and is in no way acceptable and must widely condemned”.

A University of Warwick spokesman said: “Antisemitism does not take place on our campus and the behavior depicted in the video is reprehensible.

“In accordance with university policy, we have initiated an externally led investigation and will share the results once they are available. To ensure that the investigation is as robust as this issue deserves, we are allowing up to 90 days to complete the investigation.

“Warwick SU has suspended the activities of the Warwick Conservative Association while the investigation is ongoing. If appropriate action is required after the investigation is complete, we will not hesitate to act.

“We encourage anyone affected by the allegations to report their concerns through our Report + Support service.”

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