Warwick University Student Reports Racist Graffiti Scrawled On Banana

"It took a Twitter escalation in order for you to respond."
Faramade Ifaturoti reported the slur on Twitter
Faramade Ifaturoti reported the slur on Twitter
Faramade Ifaturoti/Twitter

The University of Warwick has launched an investigation after a student reported bananas in her accommodation had been graffitied with racial slurs.

Faramade Ifaturoti posted a picture on Twitter, writing: "Just entered the kitchen and look at what one of my flatmates has done. I am extremely disgusted."

Twitter/Faramade Ifaturoti

A photo of Donald Trump was also said to have been left on her fridge.

This was also found on HER fridge in her flat @Faramade_ @WarwickAccomm pic.twitter.com/UGsWFWSzDt

— april19. (@GoldieQuakez) April 5, 2016

When first approached by The Huffington Post UK, a Warwick spokesperson was unaware of the tweet.

They later told HuffPost UK: "The head of accommodation is personally investigating this complaint.

"It has been escalated instantly."

Ifaturorti, a first-year biomedical sciences student, appears to have reported other incidents on her Twitter account in the past.

She posted this tweet in February:

Racism is very real. Especially in this Warwick I can't lie.

— Faramade Ifaturoti (@Faramade_) February 22, 2016

She told BuzzFeed she felt "targeted" and that "this is not the first time something like this has happened".

Ifaturoti also expressed disappointment at the university's response.

A racist incident has been widely reported on social media – the University is investigating as a matter of urgency.

— Warwick University (@warwickuni) April 5, 2016

I'm highly disappointed that it took a Twitter escalation in order for you to respond. https://t.co/wnmHCwVrku

— Faramade Ifaturoti (@Faramade_) April 5, 2016

The spokesperson said that there were few undergraduates on campus given the Easter break, but that some were still staying in halls.

Warwick students were quick to express their dismay - and anger - at both the incident and the university's response.

I thought Warwick was a place of highly intellectual individuals. Implicit racism, maybe, but targeted racial abuse? It's mad.

— the greatest (@hassanh__) April 5, 2016

We do not want a statement, diversity workshops or a spineless apology. We want action. Expulsion is necessary.

— ello mykell (@OmoBritiko_) April 5, 2016

People began using #WeStandWithFara in solidarity.

@warwickuni you better take this matter seriously. We, as Warwick students will NOT tolerate this. Expel this culprit. #WeStandWithFara

— Nelly. (@MelanatedEntity) April 5, 2016

A hate crime has occurred , and. @WarwickAccomm suggest she pay more to move accommodation. How can that be justified? #WeStandWithFara

— Shore Delano (@Shoredelano) April 5, 2016

This is a hate crime. The people who did this can be charged and as a minimum should be expelled. #WeStandWithFara pic.twitter.com/oCY3zf3f7s

— Atlas (@BlasianOverlord) April 5, 2016

Mems Ayinla, co-president of Warwick Anti-Racism Society, told HuffPost UK the incident wasn't handled properly.

She said: "The university is being incompetent, it wasn't dealt with any urgency.

"As a black student, I don't feel safe in some of my spaces and we need to make sure there is a zero-tolerance of all types of incidents like this.

"The hashtag (#WeStandWithFara) is bringing other students in to share their experiences and it gives them support not just from Warwick, but other universities too."

Warwick Student Union said it was shocked by the incident.

I'm shocked, disgusted, and saddened at such a vile racist attack on a Warwick student. The SU is taking this matter incredibly seriously.

— Charlie Hindhaugh (@Lapsang_) April 5, 2016

The SU said: "Warwick SU has a zero-tolerance policy on racist behaviour.

"We unequivocally condemn this shocking and disgusting act, which should clearly have no place in either our University or society at large."

The University of Warwick has around 23,000 students and has accommodation on all of its four campuses.

Warwickshire Police said that no crime had been reported as of 5.30pm on Tuesday.

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