In the midst of Black History Month, Max Kafula (Racial & Ethnic Minority Students’ Officer) was told to step down from an event by unnamed Lancaster University Academics.
This comes in the wake of a confidential misconduct report filed against Max Kafula.
The reasoning given in removing me from the event was based upon speculation into the outcome of an investigation involving myself. This was over a breach of student conduct – the Students’ Union and the University followed appropriate procedure in handling this matter, with sanctions issued at the time.
MAX KAFULA – RACIAL & ETHNIC MINORITY STUDENTS’ OFFICER
In a statement released by Lancaster SU, Max explained he wanted share some information on what took place this week, during Black History Month.
“There was an attempt to force me to step down from a Black History Month event […] from academics at Lancaster University.
“I’ve been working on this year’s Black History Month since July and have put considerable time and effort into my events.
“So as a Black student, to be pressured by academics to withdraw from an event organised by me, a Black person, designed to empower Black people, is extremely distressing, victimisation and nothing more than a witch hunt.
“This is an unjust act of discrimination committed against me. The reasoning given in removing me from the event was based upon speculation into the outcome of an investigation involving myself. This was over a breach of student conduct – the Students’ Union and the University followed appropriate procedure in handling this matter, with sanctions issued at the time.”
The outcome of investigations into misconduct within the university are confidential and Max Kafula called it “inequitable” for these individuals to have used this as a way of blocking him representing “those who I was elected to represent.”
They do not deserve to be called an ally for the Racial & Ethnic Minority students, that they have coordinated in a way to marginalise an elected Black student, who planned events to empower black students.
MAX KAFULA – RACIAL & ETHNIC MINORITY STUDENTS’ OFFICER
Max suggests that, “these individuals have acted disrespectfully towards me, and to the office that I hold. They have attempted to undermine my position as elected officer and the event that I have organised.”
He then goes to state that, “they have been invited to collaborate with the Students’ Union and acted outside their jurisdiction.”
The university must sort this culture out to ensure fairness, respect, and dignity to those who have been elected to represent you.
MAX KAFULA – RACIAL & ETHNIC MINORITY STUDENTS’ OFFICER
Any queries should be directed to my official officer email su.remofficer@lancaster.ac.uk.
In response to Max Kafula’s statement the Students’ Union have issued the following:
The Union expresses concern and pledges continued support for delivery of Black History Month events.
LANCASTER STUDENTS’ UNION
“Lancaster University Students’ Union is disappointed to learn that Max Kafula, the elected Racial and Ethnic Minority Students’ Officer, was asked to step down from a Black History Month event by academics. Max was not only pressured to withdraw, but a suggestion to replace him in the event was made.
“The Union considers this an attempt to block an elected Liberation and Campaigns Officer from representing their students.
“We will support Max to ensure that he can continue to deliver the events that he has worked incredibly hard to plan over the past few months.”
“As your democratically elected officer and as a Black man, I will never accept being treated this way. Not now nor ever.” – Max Kafula
If you have been affected by this issue, you can contact LUSU’s confidential Advice Service at advice@lancastersu.co.uk, or your College Wellbeing Officers.
For press enquiries please contact David Banks: davidbanksmedialaw@gmail.com
