Students Show Racism The Red Card

MP Heidi Allen joined students and a former footballer at Cambridge Regional College to mark a national event challenging racism.

Ms Allen was among people across the country when she joined the Student Union to support the work of the charity, Show Racism The Red Card.

The organisation is the UK’s largest anti-racism educational charity.

Ms Allen, MP for South Cambridgeshire, said: “Racism in all forms has no place whatsoever in our society. We are stronger as communities and as a country when we embrace the differences between us and work, live, love and laugh together. Let’s all make it our mission to lead by example.”

Among activities at the college was former Cambridge United player Sam Squire leading a sporting activity, a pledge board where people can write messages of support, a stall selling red cup-cakes and red nail painting by beauty students. Former 80s CUFC player Derek Chrisite also joined the event.

There will be information stands from the Cambridge Convoy Refugee Action Group, Camcrag, which raises money for migrants in Calais and also Cambridge Stand Up To Racism.

Mark Robertson, Principal of CRC, said: “CRC is a place which celebrates diversity and values the unique contribution made by each and every student and member of staff. There is no place at all in society for racism or any other form of discrimination. All people deserve to be valued and celebrated, and we are proud at CRC to support this day when we come together to reject the evil of racism in a visual and determined way.”

Sophie Day, President of CRC Students Union, which organised the event, said: “We are really pleased that Heidi Allen is able to join us for this important event.

“The college has arranged a series of stalls and promotional activities to help raise awareness. There is no place for racism, prejudice and hate in our society.”

Pete Monaghan, UCU branch secretary for the college, said: “With racially motivated hate crimes recorded in the UK on the rise it is more important than ever that we take a pro-active stance against racism of any kind and Wear Red day is a very visual and important way of staff and students coming together to “show racism the red card.”

Representatives from the University and College Union will be attending the day and staff hope that later in the year a visit can be arranged for students to tour the eco- Mosque in Mill Road, Cambridge.

Background:

Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC) was established in January 1996, thanks in part to a donation by then Newcastle United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop.

Shaka was at a petrol station near the Newcastle football ground where he played at that time, when he was confronted with a group of young people shouting racist abuse at him. After one of them realised he was a famous footballer, they came over to ask for an autograph.

Shaka realised he could harness his status as a professional player to make a difference. Coupled with the power of football and his status as a role model, Shaka got involved to show that education is an effective strategy in challenging racism in society. 

A spokesman for Show Racism The Red Card said: “We provide educational workshops, training sessions, multimedia packages, and a whole host of other resources, all with the purpose of tackling racism in society. Across Britain, Show Racism the Red Card delivers training to more than 50,000 individuals per year.”