A statement from De Montfort University

In June, photographs were shared on social media of a group of DMU students wearing fake tan as part of an end-of-season sports club night out.

Many of our community and beyond were understandably deeply upset by these photographs and by the association with ‘blackface’ and ‘blacking up’.  As an institution, DMU would like to make it quite clear that these photographs are contrary to our values and to our ethos.

A lengthy investigation, which took accounts from around 30 students and alumni, including all the students involved featured in the photographs, has been concluded and disciplinary actions taken.

DMU recognises that this behaviour fell far short of what we expect from students at the institution. We will be redoubling our efforts to educate our sports teams and all students in race and race awareness, in keeping with our ongoing commitment to become a truly anti-racist university.