AN INVESTIGATION has begun after students wore t-shirts decorated with Nazi symbols and racist and sexist slogans.

The t-shirts are believed to have been worn for an event called Graffiti Social by members of the University of York hockey club in a campus bar in the city.

It prompted a backlash after images of the t-shirts and an account of the event was published by the university’s student newspaper, York Vision.

The t-shirts were decorated with offensive phrases, including derogatory phrases about women, anti-Semitic comments and racist slogans.

Other drinkers in the bar were believed to have confronted the members of the hockey club, prompting some of them to try and alter the slogans and symbols to make them less offensive.

The incident was deemed so serious, it was reported to the police by the university and the Students’ Union.

The hockey club later released a statement which apologised for offence caused by the incident.

A spokesperson said: “We deeply regret that these events happened however, this incident doesn’t reflect the values of most of the members of our club. We are a diverse and inclusive club and condemn in the strongest terms such behaviour.”

A university spokesman said the facility was “committed to promoting diversity and equality on campus”, and confirmed an investigation had begun.

He said: “The university has been made aware of images which show a number of people wearing t-shirts daubed with highly offensive slogans and symbols. An investigation has been launched but we believe the individuals involved are our students taking part in a social event.

“The matter is considered so serious it has been reported to North Yorkshire Police by the university and students’ union.

“The university has a zero-tolerance policy towards racist, sexist or bigoted behaviour, and we apologise unreservedly for the offence caused. Any students who are found to have breached the university’s code of conduct will face disciplinary measures.”

  • North Yorkshire Police confirmed they had received a complaint relating to the t-shirts on Friday, following the event on Wednesday, October 11 and asked anyone with information to call police on 101.