The University of Manchester (UoM) has apologised after allegations the n-word was used by staff in lectures and seminars earlier this year.
After a group of students, named UoM Black Students Matter, published an open later claiming the city’s largest university allows members of its staff to “say the n-word” during lecturers and seminars, the University of Manchester has confirmed that those exposed to racist language have now been “personally apologised to”.
Shortly after the claims were made back in February, the University said it had “been made aware” of the open letter and was investigating the matter “as a priority”.
Published on 13 February, UoM Black Students Matter’s letter detailed a number of alleged instances in which the n-word was used during education contact hours – which the group said caused “distress to black students”.
Allegations referred to in the open later, and the walk-outs staged as a result, largely referred to the French Department at UoM and lecturer Dr Barbara Lebrun in particular.
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University of Manchester apologises to students for ‘racist language’ used by staff / Credit: University of Manchester
With the investigation into the matter now believed to be complete, UoM has confirmed that personal apologies have been issued after having “positively engaged with students”, according to the MEN.
Addressing the claims, a University of Manchester spokesperson said: “The University has been positively engaged with students through direct meetings and discussions in relation to concerns regarding the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures.
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“These actions are helping us to establish how we might review and address these issues, a process that has already commenced.
“Senior staff have personally apologised to students on the course units in question who were exposed to racist language, and for the lack of sensitivity displayed in discussions of topics such as racism, racial representations and colonialism.”
The institution says it’s committed to creating a “safe space” for all / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
UoM says it is “committed to creating a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for all our students”, and apologises that “this has not been the case in this instance”.
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“We will be working with our SU representatives, the University’s Equality Diversity and Inclusion team and external providers,” the statement continues.
“We would also like to continue to collaborate with students in our ongoing review process.”
Featured Image – University of Manchester
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Pat Regan at the Fairfield Social Club – a brilliantly unhinged evening of standup comedy
Clementine Hall
There’s a particular kind of chaos that only Pat Regan can deliver, and the recently re-recognised Fairfield Social Club got the full force of it last night.
Making his Manchester debut as part of the ‘A Lovely Time’ series at the equally as lovely Fairfield Social Club, the New York comic, writer, and podcast host arrived with the energy of someone who had already lived through three emotional breakdowns before breakfast and somehow still had the worst to come.
Known for his work on HBO’s Hacks and the cult-favourite podcast Seek Treatment with fellow comic Catherine Cohen, Regan’s stand-up feels less like your traditional comedy set and more like being trapped in the world’s funniest group chat.
The perfectly intimate room beneath Fairfield’s railway arches was packed with adoring fans who were immediately on side as Regan launched into stories about traumatic trips to Paris, Grindr dates, massage tables and having crushes at the gym.
The audience was in the palm of his slightly sweaty hands (don’t worry, he’ll be fine with me saying so), laughing at every awkward punchline and self-deprecating anecdote.
The material is nothing groundbreaking, but this is what makes it so deeply hilarious; never before has shopping for the perfect pair of jeans been so serious and unserious at the same time.
There was laughter rolling through the venue for virtually the entire set, and after an hour of never-ending quips and jokes, we were left wanting more.
And the best part is, it won’t be long until we get more from this place, and it’s no wonder they’re starting to get the hosting plaudits they deserve.
It’s safe to say Fairfield Social Club has become one of Manchester’s most exciting homes for alternative comedy, and this felt like exactly the sort of booking that justifies its growing reputation.
By the time Regan left the stage, the audience looked equal parts exhausted and delighted. An absolutely classy evening indeed.
Find out about what else is on at the Fairfield Social Club HERE.
First-ever JD Wetherspoon pub to open at Manchester Airport
Danny Jones
In news that we feel many Mancs and travellers all-round have been waiting on for a long time, the well-known British chain, JD Wetherspoon, will be opening its first-ever pub at Manchester Airport.
That’s right: soon that first airport pint of the holiday could actually be a relatively cheap one.
While Wetherspoons are no strangers to popping up in terminals across the UK and Ireland, they’ve never done so here in Manchester despite having three, yes THREE, in Gatwick alone.
Not for much longer, though, as soon T2 will be lending more than 3,000 square feet of its prime leisure and retail real estate to a new Greater Manchester ‘Spoons’.
Posting on social media, the airport wrote: “Wetherspoon comes to Manchester Airport this September! The pub will be located in the Terminal 2 Departures lounge and will have more than 300 seats.
“This will become the final major food and drink venue to open its doors as part of our decade-long £1.3bn transformation of Terminal 2. It will be named ‘The Belle Vue’, in a nod to Manchester’s historic showground [now a sports complex and leisure hub].
“It was a focal point for social life in the city from the Victorian period up until 2020, when the final event was held at Belle Vue stadium. The design of the pub is inspired by the history of Belle Vue and the sporting culture of the North West of England. We look forward to welcoming you all in September!”
While a lot of money has been pumped into T2’s refurb as a whole over the past few years, it remains unclear just how much this particular new addition will cost; we do know that great sums were set aside for the launch of the Great Northern Market last year.
The inaugural Manchester Airport Spoons is just the latest in a series of major renovations.
As mentioned, the company already operate several up and down the country – 10 airport pubs, to be specific – but this will be the first in the North West.
Speaking on the news, JD Wetherspoon chief executive John Hutson said in a statement: “We are looking forward to opening at Manchester Airport. We believe our new pub will prove popular with travellers of all ages and be an asset to the new terminal.”
With Manchester Airport adding a dozen new routes to its roster this summer, you can expect to see even more people flying in and out than ever – no doubt having already polished off a cut-price pint or two beforehand.
Emily Sergeant -
2nd May 2023 
