The University of Exeter has disbanded a law society following a major review into racism.
According to the BBC, screenshots of “racist” messages in an Exeter students’ Whatsapp group sparked outrage when they were shared in March.
An internal investigation found Bracton Law Society’s conduct “fell short of the standards and values of the university and the students’ guild”.
The society, founded in 1965, would be replaced by a “new, distinct law society”, the university said.
A spokesman for the University of Exeter said: “After an incident involving students from the Bracton Law Society earlier this year, the university launched a major investigation that determined individual sanctions on those involved.
“This included expulsions, suspensions, and other significant penalties.”
The law society, is one of the largest societies on campus, with more than 1,000 members.
Lily Hayes, president of the Bracton Law Society, said she was “incredibly proud” of the society’s efforts to improve diversity and make “all law students feel welcome” in the wake of the scandal.
Ms Hayes added: “Whilst this isn’t the end, at this point I would like to thank, on behalf of this year’s committee, all of our members who have supported us this term.
“We will be looking to the future and are determined to support all those continuing in their legal careers both within the BLS and the new law society that will emerge.”
