Bringing you the best news on campus since 1897 24 October 2014 thegryphon.co.uk

Application stats reveal 20% race gap Abla Klaa less likely for BME students to obtain In a response, the University’s Equal- News Editor higher degree classifications. According ity & Inclusion Manager Maria Pervaiz to the most recent figures from 2012 said, ‘the percentage of BME undergrad- More white students have received to 2013, 84% of white undergraduates uate students registering at the Universi- offers at the University of Leeds than obtained a 1st or 2.1 degree in contrast to ty has increased from 12% to 14.2% over Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) 68% of BME students. the last four years. This is not to say we applicants, according to figures obtained LUU’s BME campaign coordina- don’t have an issue at Leeds, however by The Gryphon. tors Johnny Philomen said, ‘We believe we need to take a step back and analyse The statistics revealed that ‘of the that at least part of the problem must the number of BME students applying number of BME students applying, only lie within the admissions departments and accepting first before looking at the 42-44% of BME students were offered of universities, and that they should impact on admissions data.’ an undergraduate place’ between 2010 actively challenge cultural biases they Non-EU students were not included and 2012. In contrast, over 60% of white may have. Involving more BME staff in in the data. students were offered a place. admissions processes may go some way The findings also showed that it was to addressing this problem.’ Scamming uncovered: victims share their ordeal • ‘I’m now thousands of pounds in debt’ •‘I trusted them’ Jake Hookem The company offered students the ‘I initially got £300 and thought it was News Editor chance to make £50 by signing up for great, but after a couple of months pay- phone contracts. ments stopped, while my bills just kept on Victims of a million-pound fraud scam The acquired phones would then be coming. I’m now thousands of pounds in have spoken to The Gryphon about ‘an easy passed on to JBI Systems, who would then debt.’ way to make money’ that has left them process them and lend them out to business ‘They told me that it was legal, an easy ‘thousands of pounds in debt’. users for a fee. Any bills then incurred on way to make money. They pushed the idea Since initially reporting on the issue on the contracts were to be paid to the victims of being able to get money now and how 10th October, The Gryphon has since learnt in advance of their phone bill. you could no longer be drowned by student of the scale of the scam - perpetrated by a However, in May this year, the company debt.’ firm which called itself ‘JBI Systems’. stopped making the payments to the vic- Once the students had signed up, they The company is thought to have tims, but the phone bills kept coming in. were encouraged with a further £50 for changed names several times over the years The Gryphon spoke to one victim of this each other person they could recommend in which it operated, but The Gryphon un- scam, who said, to get signed up. derstands that students at Leeds taken in ‘I realise how naïve I was, but it was a However, not all victims feel the same. by the scam dealt with the company under friend of a close friend who suggested the its ‘JBI’ name. idea to me, and I trusted them. >> Continued on page 5 2 Contents Contents Editor’s Letter 3-7 News This issue of the Gryphon is dedicated to Black But it is important to look to the future, as well as History Month. Black history does not begin and the past. We must make sure that forums exist end with Atlantic slavery. It spans all areas of for Black and other ethnic minority students to 8-10 Features the globe, encompassing royalty, ancient Nubi- share their ideas, and bring fairer representations an pyramids (which predated Ancient Egypt by of themselves to light, as well as working towards several hundred years), great inventors and artists, the equality that people have fought for. There are 11-13 Comment and a myriad of cultures, languages and religions. still inequalities and prejudice in the world, and However, over the centuries, Black history has been we as students must continue to strive towards a suppressed, misrepresented and whitewashed. society in which BME people are respected, and 14 Debate Exhibit B, the controversial event at the Barbican their achievements are recognised and celebrated. which was ultimately shut down, springs to mind Groups such as the LUU BME Students Campaign as an example of the way in which Black history exist to do that. 15 Letters can be reduced to troubling representations. Who gets to tell our histories? How should they be told, and which parts? Even now, there are huge gaps in 16-17 Science the history we are taught in school, with too many Johnny, Wandia and Naomi children growing up unaware of the contributions Black and diaspora communities have made to BME Students’ Campaigns Coordinators 19-24 Sport society. Tweets of the week

Mensch’s take on the tragic news from Ottawa. We presume she doesn’t mean John Bercow here.

Still got it.

None of us in Gryphon HQ can work out if this is serious.

Editor-In-Chief ~ Jasmine Andersson Associate Editors ~ Phil Mann, Ste Topping News ~ Abla Klaa, Charlotte Mason, Jake Hookem and Greg Whitaker Features ~ Ruby Lott-Lavinga, Brigitte Phillips and Vickie Hesketh Comment & Debate ~ Philipa Williams, Ella Grittiths and Ella Healing Science ~ Alice Hargreaves-Jones and Michael Owen Sport ~ Adam LeRoux, Peter White, Alex Bowmer and Euan Cunningham Head of Photography ~ Sam Broadley Photographers ~ Lucie England-Duce, Alice Greenfield, Will Stanley, Anne Wyman and Sam Lewis Illustrator ~ Danny Wilson Designers ~ Frazer Sparham, Ben Sandin and Sophia Kossoski

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK News 3 Edward Boyle to £10k Charlotte Mason News Editor shoppers back as well as attracting new stu- get a major refurb dents into our shopping centre for the first Student shoppers have been offered a time’. cracking opportunity to win £10,000 by She added, ‘After choosing their six lucky correctly guessing the code to a cash-loaded digits, everyone who takes part in the chal- safe at the Merrion Centre. lenge will take the potentially life-changing The competition, which offers one lucky walk over to the safe in an attempt to enter winner the chance to a ‘debt-free, stylish, the winning combination in their quest to student lifestyle’, is the centre’s biggest ever get their hands on £10,000.’ student giveaway. However, students have been urged not Participants must break the six-digit to get too excited as the chances of winning code, encrypted by an independent adjudi- are literally one in a million. cator, to be in with a chance of claiming to Head of Mathematics Professor Alastair prize. Rucklidge said, ‘The Merrion Centre will al- Merrion Centre Manager Susan Mendoza most certainly be able to hang on to their said, ‘Our competition is the ideal opportu- £10,000’. nity for us to welcome our existing young The competition closes at 4.30pm today. Sam Lewis © Uber move to Leeds Valeria Popa The plan also includes better digital infrastructure and the integration of the Phil Mann highlight the concerns of members, who Associate Editor The University of Leeds is planning Skills@Library, VLE and Portal teams into felt the service to be unregulated. Uber to spend more than £200m on several a new ‘Skills Zone’. Controversial car hire service Uber is to has faced similar protest in the past, building refurbishments mostly starting Edward Boyle is not the only building file an application with the City Council when drivers brought congestion chaos to next year. set to be refurbished. A public auction to start operating in Leeds, amid protests central London. A large amount of this estimated fig- will go take mid-February 2015 to find a from licensed drivers. Uber however resists the contention ure is to be spent on refurbishing the Ed- contractor for the renovation of the Leeds The firm, established in 2009, has that it is not conforming with regulations. ward Boyle Library, which will boast new University Union building, with the works rapidly expanded its business and now The company boasts of stringent back- facilities such as larger teaching rooms planned to finish by December 2016. Most operates in over 200 cities worldwide. ground tests. Leeds City Council has also and more flexible study spaces. offices will remain operational during the The service uses a downloadable app, said it will deal with the service in the Following a survey conducted refurbishment. through which users can order and pay normal way in which firms are licensed. among students from the University, the This is one of the largest development for the taxi service. Speaking to The Gryphon, Fourth year refurbishment project also aims to fix cur- projects that the university has undergone However, Uber’s expansion into an al- Physics student Michael Owen said, ‘Uber rent problems with the heating, lighting since the 1960s. An investment of £375m ready crowded market has led to protests is great. The app is so much easier to use and ventilation systems in the library. has already been made on capital pro- from licensed operators that the compa- rather than booking in the normal way. A user of the library who wished to re- jects with major constructions including ny is not a legitimate service, and is not Whenever I’ve used it, it’s been really effi- main anonymous told The Gryphon, ‘I sus- the Liberty Building and The Edge, which abiding by the guidelines that ‘traditional’ cient’ He added, ‘If it comes to Leeds and pect the Edward Boyle Library achieved cost £12m and £20m respectively. operators are bound by. is good value, I’d definitely use it over the its environmental targets by never turning Taxi drivers belonging to the trade current private hire companies.’ on the heating no matter what.’ union Unite held a picket in Kirkstall to

Campus Watch News from campuses around the country St Andrews foam fight Southampton bottles it Pussy Riot at Cambridge Union King’s SleepCoat to help the home- Hundreds of St Andrews University A student at Southampton Solent Russian feminist and political pro- less students attended a mass foam party University had to be rescued by firefight- test band ‘Pussy Riot’ is to speak at the Innovative students at King’s Col- in the school grounds this week. The ers after getting her head suck in a bottle Cambridge University Students’ Union in lege London have developed a ‘Sleep- event was part of a 600-year-old ritual bank. November. Coat’ for the homeless. The project was at the Scottish university. The annual A friend bet the female student £10 The group were sentenced to two inspired by a society president’s work foam fight is held on ‘Raisin Monday’ in and a Big Mac that she couldn’t fit her years in jail in 2012 after performing a with the homeless in Alaska. He said, honour of the end of ‘Raisin Weekend’. head into the hole during a night out. ‘punk prayer’, calling on the Virgin Mary ‘We don’t want to promote sleeping The weekend sees senior students in- She eventually managed to free her- to ‘put Putin away’. on the streets but we do want to offer flict initiation tasks on their new recruit self with the help of a fire service worker. A Cambridge spokesperson said, ‘This an emergency service’. A prototype is of first-year students. A fire service spokesperson said, ‘I im- is very exciting news, especially for an being made to be handed out across agine she was looking for more drink’. institution that tends to invite old, white London’s homeless shelters. men’. Emily Willson Greg Whitaker Charlotte Mason Emily Willson

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK 4 News Leeds crime rate falls Students warned of phishing scam

Charlotte Mason battle’, adding, ‘Nothing is 100% secure, but News Editor we do take data protection very seriously here’. The University has warned of a noto- This newspaper understands students West Yorkshire Police © rious phishing email scam after students are regularly targeted by phishing scams, at another institution were targeted by with several cases of fraudulent Student Munya Saati 448 fewer thefts from people. fraudsters who obtained their bank de- Finance England emails reported within However, the statistics show that sex- tails. the last few years. Crime has fallen by seven percent in ual offences are on the rise nationally. A message displayed on the Portal Mr Grannan said, ‘Phishing is big busi- the past year, The Gryphon has found. PhD student Rehan De Motte, whose last Wednesday read, ‘We have become ness. If you email 10,000 people and ten Statistics for Leeds Inner North West house was recent burgled, told The Gryph- aware that a sophisticated phishing reply, you can make a lot of money from show that 6,449 crimes were reported be- on, ‘I do feel safe in Hyde Park, but now scam, concerning an email that appears those ten people’. tween January and August 2013, com- we make sure that the doors are bolted to be from Student Finance England, has According to Action Fraud, students pared to just over 6,000 for the same and the windows are closed. We haven’t tricked some students at another Univer- can be deceived by emails sent around the period this year. had any problems since then’. sity into divulging both personal and fi- three main loan instalment dates in Sep- The most common crimes in the stu- The University’s Police Liaison Officer nancial details’. tember, January and April. dent area are anti-social behaviour and PC Matt Guy told this paper, ‘We need The news comes after students at York Fourth-year English and History stu- burglary. people to come forward about crime and University became victim to a fake email dent Hannah Woodhead told The Gryph- Burley is the region’s crime hotspot, believe that the Police will take it serious- they believed to be from the loans com- on, ‘I have received fake emails pretending accounting for 17% of offences in the area, ly. It’s never anyone’s fault that they are pany. to be from SFE. I think it’s really disgraceful with Headingley reporting 15% and Hyde subjected to crimes like assault’. Speaking to The Gryphon, Head of that it’s still a problem after a year’. Park 10% of crime, according to latest fig- PC Guy advised, ‘Plan your journey. IT Services John Grannan explained, ‘We The IT Help Desk advises, ‘Neither the ures. There’s night buses and taxi services, subscribe to a central service which alerts University nor any other reputable organi- West Yorkshire Poliåce recently an- walk on a main road where it’s well-lit, be us to any phishing emails, which we can sation will ever send you emails asking you nounced that the county’s overall crime wary of your surroundings, and you are then block.’ to input, confirm or validate account and/ rate had fallen by 4% over the past year, going to be safe’. He described phishing as ‘an on-going or personal details’. with house burglaries down by 15% and LUU Amnesty stage anti-torture protest

Lucy Connolly forced suffocation are still used in coun- tries such as Morocco, Nigeria and Uz- bekistan. Leeds University Amnesty took a LUU Amnesty International has stand for human rights on Friday, with brought attention to several high-pro- blindfolded students demonstrating file cases, including that of Ali Aarras, a methods of torture in the Union. Belgian-Moroccan extradited to Morocco Seven students took part in the on terrorism charges in 2010. According demonstration, wearing red blindfolds to Amnesty International UK, Mr Aarras and holding instruments such as drills, was electric shocks to the testicles, sus- irons and hammers that are still used for pended from his wrists and burned with torture today. cigarettes. The society aimed to highlight the Second-year Law student, Jo Bulli- existence of torture in 144 countries. vant Clark, who took part in the protest, Speaking to The Gryphon, President said, ‘The thought of other human beings of LUU Amnesty International Wil Hut- being subjected to torture gives me the ton, explained, ‘We hope the protest will chills. Being free from torture is yet an- get a response from students and make other thing we take for granted. I think them more aware that torture still ex- it’s our obligation to speak out against ists’. it’. Although torture is illegal through- An LUU Amnesty anti-torture peti- out most of the world, procedures such tion has attracted 163 signatures. as electric shock, sleep deprivation and Rachel King ©

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK News 5 Woman spiked in nightclub Phone Suhail Dhanji scam A Police investigation has been launched after a student claims her drink was spiked at Mission nightclub. The first-year Business Management revealed student was taken to hospital by her boyfriend who was concerned when she “They were like us, taken in by began acting ‘out-of-character’. the idea of easy money” The student had been attending the Full Moon event at Mission last Thursday when it is believed her drink was tam- >> Continued from front page pered with. She believes the intervention may have happened with when her group of friends bought a pitcher to share. Describing the running of the or- An officer who assisted the woman ganisation, one said, said she displayed effects similar to those ‘I believe some did know what they of ketamine. were doing, but others only knew to an Speaking to the newspaper, the stu- extent that what they were doing was dent, who wished to remain anonymous, The University’s Police Liaison Of- has happened. If anyone else has con- not legal but had no idea of what the explained, ‘I’ve only been in Leeds a short ficer PC Matt Guy told this paper, ‘Drink cerns about their safety or needs support, extent was. time, but I’ve never known anyone who’s spiking is rare. However, there’s easier ac- please contact our Advice Centre’. ‘They were like us, taken in by the had their drink spiked’. cess to legal highs nowadays which can Students are advised to avoid leaving idea of easy money. I do not believe This paper understands bouncers had be used to incapacitate people’. PC Guy drinks unattended and stay with friends that they knew the full situation and searched clubbers at the door. However, added, ‘We are seeing more reports of on nights out. were not told everything by their supe- Police are currently working to identify a this from members of the public’. The Gryphon contacted Mission for a riors at JBI Systems.’ male who was seen acting dubiously in Union Welfare Officer Freya Govus statement but did not receive a response It is thought over 1000 students the nightclub. told this paper, ‘It’s awful to hear that this in time for printing. nationwide were scammed, and some victims have been critical of the way in which phone companies have handled their cases. The Gryphon also learn that those Union debates Free Education preyed on by JBI Systems would often return the phone to the company with- Abla Klaa Some students argued the Govern- ity, as well as being an investment in the out knowing any of the details of the News Editor ment should make education a higher fi- future of the country’. contract, meaning that when trying to nancial priority, although others claimed A Fourth-year Politics student said, contact the phone provider they had Students have gone head to head this that free university degrees may be un- ‘The huge increase in students going to no knowledge of which phone contract week in a Union debate about whether sustainable. university has created a much larger bur- they actually wanted to cancel. education should be free. Third-year International Politics stu- den to the tax payer. It’s surely not un- When asked how JBI Systems dealt Six panellists took part in the discus- dent Harry Shotton, who was on the reasonable to suggest that those with the with the problems, a victim said, sion on Wednesday, tackling issues such panel, told this newspaper, ‘Many young ability to do so are able to contribute to ‘All they had was a “customer ser- as government spending, apprenticeships people in the UK cannot afford the rising the cost of university education’. vice” email, which just kind of told us and the affordability of studying for a costs of education and what we wanted to hear. It said things degree. simply can’t do the uni- like “you’re on our list of priority ac- The debate comes following Ger- versity course, vocational counts” but nothing ever came of it, many’s decision to scrap tuition fees in course, or apprenticeship neither did an apology.’ all universities starting this academic of their choice’. The Gryphon understands that this year. He added, ‘Leeds week approximately 50 students have LUU Education Officer Tom Dix- University Union sup- been interviewed by police as part of on, the debate organiser, explained, ‘I porting free education a nationwide effort to gather informa- campaigned on the idea that the Union would be a positive step tion. It is not thought any of the stu- should engage people more in the nation- in the campaign for a dents interviewed in this round were al movement. NUS have their own Free high quality education treated as suspects. Education policy and I think it’s impor- system that caters for tant to us as LUU to understand if our all young Brits, helping students feel the same. Obviously, having to tackle increasing so- proposed the motion, it’s my hope they cio-economic inequality, do’. and boost social mobil- Anne Wyman ©

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK 6 News Uni pledge to boycott ‘sweatshop’ electronics

Robert Cohen The University has become one of the cides is a result of the desperation felt by first UK institutions to pledge support to workers due to the obscenely long hours, a campaign promoting the rights of tech- ‘army-like conditions’, ritual humiliations nology workers. in front of colleagues and repression of Electronics Watch is an independent union rights’. organisation which campaigns for work- One in five computers sold in Europe ers’ rights in the technology industry, is bought by a public sector body such as pressuring companies to improve facto- a university. ry conditions with European purchasing Electronic Watch states, ‘Despite the power. modern and clean image the industry The news means Leeds will have in- has, the working conditions are often ap- fluence over contracts with manufactur- palling’. ers to push for better industry standards. The University’s Director of Facilities The University joins Edinburgh as one Management, Dennis Hopper said, ‘We of the first four UK affiliates of the Eu- are committed to improving the sustain- rope-wide programme. ability of our supply chain and Electron- Student-led campaign People & Plan- ics Watch gives us the opportunity to et has claimed that conditions in some support meaningful change, in an indus- factories amount to ‘sweatshop’ labour. try that suffers from poor working con- Twenty-three Chinese workers at ditions’. PC-manufacturer Foxconn have commit- Electronics Watch aims to begin in- ted suicide within the past nine years. specting technology factories next year. The group claims, ‘This series of sui- Image: QZ ©

Breaking down the stories that matter. The Digest.

Guardian © Milenio © Canadian Press/Marc Grandmaison © Life Is Savage ©

Boko Haram to bring back Paralysed man walks again after Gunman shot and killed soldier in Oscar Pistorius sentenced to schoolgirls ‘pioneering therapy’ terrorist attack five years

Boko Haram has said it is to release A man who was paralysed four years A soldier guarding the Canadian Oscar Pistorius has been sentenced the 219 schoolgirls it has held captive for ago has been able to walk again thanks to Capital’s National War Memorial was to five years in jail for the ‘culpable six months. ground-breaking treatment. killed in a suspected terror attack on homicide’ of his girlfriend, Reeva Steen- The Nigerian government an- Darek Fidyka, 40, was paralysed from Wednesday. kamp. nounced a ceasefire with rebel fighters the chest down in a knife attack in 2010, Gunfire was also exchanged inside The killing occurred in the ear- following weeks of negotiations, medi- but after surgery can now walk with the aid Canada’s Parliament building, where the ly hours of Valentine’s Day last year ated by neighbouring Chad. of a frame. gunman was killed after Police stormed when Steenkamp was shot three times The Nigerian government remains The treatment was conducted by Pol- the building. through the bathroom door at their ‘cautiously optimistic’ about theoutcome ish surgeons in collaboration with scientists Canada had raised its terror threat home. Pistorius insisted he thought he of the deal. in London and involves the use of cells in level just hours prior to the incident fol- was firing at an intruder. Boko Haram, which means ‘Western the nose being implanted into the patient’s lowing a hit-and-run attack which killed His defence had fought for ten education is forbidden’, kidnapped the spinal-cord to encourage nerve growth. a soldier and injured another. months imprisonment, with the remain- girls from a school in April. The group Fidyka said that being able to walk once Parts of Ottawa remained in lock- ing sentence under house arrest. aims to overthrow the government and more was like ‘being born again’. down on Wednesday. An investigation Pistorius was cleared of murder, but form an Islamic state in Nigeria. has been launched. will enter prison immediately.

Danny Anderson Hugh Baillie-Lane Danny Anderson Sarah Nevard

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK News 7 The Gryphon meets Rachel Reeves MP

Image: Phil Mann ©

Jake Hookem essential to finding work. As a result, it that any young person who’s out of work for How can cities like Leeds match the power News Editor could be argued that degrees have become a year would be guaranteed a job that’s pay- and ‘draw’ of London as the UK’s financial devalued. Do you agree? ing at least the minimum wage, for 25 hours a hub? - Do you agree with the findings of week. This would last for 6 months, and would the Royal Society’s City Growth Commis- Rachel Reeves is the Labour MP for Leeds At the moment, less than 50% do go, I be funded by a bankers bonus tax and a re- sion who this week recommended more West and is the Shadow Secretary of State think that the priority should be to ensure that striction on pension tax relief. powers for cities like Leeds? for Work and Pensions. She has held both those young people who don’t go have proper positions since 2010. investment in their skills and training. The vast Do you feel the proposed HS3 rail link I think that we should devolve more power On Thursday she came in to the Uni- majority of students who don’t go to univer- between Manchester and Leeds would to northern towns and cities. Lord Adonis has versity of Leeds to give a talk to Labour- sity get little or no investment in their skills, increase employment in Leeds? recommended devolving £30bn of funding for Soc, and The Gryphon spoke with her after so what I would like to see is a growth in the transport infrastructure, skills and employment the event, number of apprenticeships and better fund- Well, let’s get HS2 out the way first! At the funding which i think is a good idea. I think ing for Further Education and colleges. I think moment HS2 isn’t due to come to Leeds until that local leaders can make better decisions You recently agreed that there was a this would ensure that there is an alternative 2032 and so HS3 has no advanced proposals for how to use that money than politicians and ‘strong case’ for handing control of Job to university, and that the forgotten 50% are for it. I think the best game in town at the civil servants in Whitehall. Centres over to local councils, do you think also given the skills and opportunities that they moment is the improvement to the links across this would help students after they grad- need to build for their careers the north between Liverpool and Hull, which Given Labour’s proposals to raise the min- uate? would cut journey times across significantly. imum wage to £8 per hour to try and What are you planning to do to ensure Politicians in the north have been working on bridge the gap between the rich and poor, I think that the best thing for students is graduates find work quickly if a Labour this problem for years, but we do need to be do you feel unpaid internships are fair? having a top level careers advice service in government is elected? doing more to improve the connectivity be- their university, rather than going to job cen- tween the major northern cities. We should Well, unpaid internships are already illegal. tres. I think that university careers services This is not for graduates but I think it’s also work on including northern towns in rail I know some firms still use them and that is should be properly resourced to ensure that important to say. To help young people, we improvements, so we can also ensure people not acceptable. I think that if you are doing people know about the options available for would replace Job Seekers Allowance with a living in areas such as Huddersfield and Hali- a job you should be paid for it and protected them. The problem with job centres is that youth allowance. This would reward young fax can get into Leeds and Manchester quickly by minimum wage legislation. I’m in favour of they often don’t have that sort of specialised people who go to college to get skills and to access jobs and opportunities. people being able to do work experience, but support. training, rather than just getting paid for sign- I think that if you’re doing it for any length ing on. The allowance would apply for 18-21 Do you support the Leeds trolleybus of time and you’re expected to turn up at set The policy of the Blair government was to year olds that don’t have a level 3 qualification scheme currently being planned? times and have set tasks then you should be ensure that 50% of young people went to (A levels or a vocational equivalent) and would paid for doing the job. Otherwise, young peo- University. Many feel that different skill give them financial support for staying on at Yes I do, but in my constituency that’s not ple who have rich parents are going to have sets require alternatives to university ed- college. We would also like to have a compul- a huge issue. more opportunities and I don’t think that’s fair. ucation, but the current trend is that it is sory jobs guarantee. This would be a promise

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK 8 Features ‘I don’t actually see the difference that Black History Month makes’ Elorm Haligah, from youth employment charity Elevation Network, talks to The Gryphon about employment inequality, the importance of volunteering, and being president of Nottingham ACS.

Naomi Anderson Whittaker had some people that have renovated old people’s homes. We’ve had some people When I managed to pin Elorm that have raised money for charity, we’ve Haligah down for a chat, he was just had people running a publicity cam- about to begin chairing The Great paign to raise awareness about issues Debate tour, which he now runs. Now going on in their area. Its attitudes like in its fifth year and with 60 dates on that that can actually change society.’ its calendar, the seven week event has NCS has links with the government’s been a great success, and is part of a controversial ‘big society’ vision. plan to get students - particularly those I am assured of the benefits, evi- from minority backgrounds - more into denced through the changes Elorm sees politics. in the people he works with. ‘I came After studying Politics, Elorm worked across someone that was on our pro- on policy issues for various political gramme. He was a troublemaker. While figures including David Lammy (a he was on the programme, he matured. Tottenham Labour MP, now planning We all have talents, and we can use to run for London Mayor), and Notting- them negatively or positively. It was real- hamshire’s first black female Mayor, ly good to see how he started to channel Merlita Bryan. Elorm now heads up the them and start pushing in a positive Midlands branch of Elevation Networks, direction’. an employability charity. As well as So, are the government going to roll helping young people to find work and out this scheme nationwide? ‘Eventual-

internships using their partnerships ly, it is the government’s aim to make with firms like Deloitte, Teach First it compulsory.’ Doesn’t the name of and Escada, Elevation networks offers the programme and nature of what’s

training and leadership development involved allude to negative connotations programmes. They also run a Visible of punishment and community service? Women campaign to get women into And, is it not just another excuse to en- male dominated industries such as sci- “ gage in ‘responsibilisation’, taking away ence, finance and engineering. basic public services unless they are earned through ‘good behaviour’? Elorm sees the programme as almost a rite of passage, similar to ones seen in other You’re not going to countries which symbolise the beginning damage something of maturity. ‘In the UK, we don’t have anything like that. Can you think of that you value anything?’ I mumble something about proms, (although I never had one). But Elorm Haligah © can social or cultural rituals of entering many young people were forced to do your government doesn’t represent you? “Elorm advises students looking to adulthood really be conflated with the it by their parents, by the end of it they ‘This is a struggle that a lot of young improve their job prospects, with a focus government’s national service scheme? felt it was the best thing they had ever black people have. I ask them, ‘are you on voluntary work; hardly surprising as He points out that it helps young people done. He adds that the NCS scheme, interested in politics?’ Straight away, no. he previously oversaw the development to mature by allowing them to leave and volunteering in general, promotes Politics is like a swearword. But when of the National Citizen Service across home for a couple of weeks, working on valuing your community, which he felt you ask them, do you want a job? Do Derby and Nottingham. He maintains their independence. was lacking during the London riots. you care about the fact that your mum’s that NCS is a great way to get young Elorm understands the issues with ‘You’re not going to damage something not well? Do you care about the rubbish people aged 16 – 17 thinking about ways NCS becoming compulsory, but says that you value’. on your street? They say yeah, of course. to improve their communities, and to that it is a shame that ‘a lot of schools But does a lack of valuing your com- So I say this is all politics. But people gain focus and enthusiasm. He says that currently don’t recognise it as some- munity stem from frustration and dis- don’t make the connection.’ the projects carried out vary hugely. ‘I’ve thing that is really valuable.’ Although engagement with politics; as sense that The Great Debate Tour is a platform

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK Features 9

ACS ©

Elorm was president of the African-Carribean Society at Nottingham University in 2009/10, a position which boosted his confidence

for helping people to make that connec- it can seem daunting to put yourself a test and submitted applications which Finally, he extols the virtues of

tion. It puts students ‘in the same room forward for being a society president, were completely the same, but with dif- enterprise. “So many people could turn as decision makers’. How, though, does but Elorm recommends jumping in. ‘I ferent names, and the [applicants] with their passions into business. A lot of this event work towards changing the was very active at university in terms the African or Asian surname weren’t business is just a problem that’s been political environment these of campaigns for the BME network in invited to interviews. “ solved”. His final advice is to students newly-inspired people will be enter- general, and involved in a lot of mentor- is to take every opportunity, work hard, ing? How does it get their views to the ing initiatives as well. This helped me to and don’t be afraid to get a job in an people who matter? ‘At a lot of panels, develop skills that enabled me to work It’s really important area which has nothing to do with your there are elected officials. Students can with senior figures. They saw transfera- to diversify your degree. actually voice their opinions and con- ble skills and said, you know what, let’s Before saying goodbye, I asked cerns, and some of these MPs actually take him on!’ skillset. An essay Elorm what Black History Month meant say, you know what, we need to take The issue of graduate unemployment doesn’t determine your to him, and for a moment he pauses. ‘I this into consideration.’ This year, the comes up and we discuss, among other don’t actually see the difference black tour culminates in a panel event in things, a 2012 study that showed UK “ intelligence. history month makes,’ he says. ‘A lot parliament, clearly this event allows stu- BME graduates are 60% more likely to ‘Having said that, if you look at a lot of the time, and this is a flaw in the dents to take their views to people with still be unemployed 6 months after grad- of BME graduates, a lot of them have education system, we associate black influence. The Great Debate has further uating, and, on average, are required to really good jobs coming out of univer- history with slavery. Black History plans to launch a report this year, based send out twice as many applications as sity. But I think sometimes, especially Month shouldn’t be the be all and end on the views expressed. Elorm seems other candidates before securing a job. I coming from an African background, all of our education about these issues. keen to make the tour inspire action, as suggest that these statistics make for a there’s a massive emphasis on academ- There’s so much more. But at the well as discussion. pretty bleak outlook. He nods and notes ics. And that doesn’t always work. It’s same time, if we focus so much on the Elorm also notes the importance of that affirmative action for women and really important to diversify your skillset. triumphs that our ancestors had, and getting involved while at university. He other minority groups is encouraged, but At the end of the day, an essay doesn’t the struggles they may have faced, we was president of the African-Caribbean not compulsory. ‘Racism still exists’ he determine your intelligence. That is why kind of forget what’s happening today. Society at Nottingham University. It’s a says. He mentions a study done by the volunteering is so important.’ And it’s History does affect today, but we actu- great way to gain confidence and net- Runnymede Trust. ‘If you had a sur- another way to avoid internships which ally need to look at what is happening work, he says. After all, ‘your network name like mine, you were considerably you have to pay for, sometimes as much now as well and that’s what The Great is your net worth’. Often, I suggested, more likely to be unemployed. They did as £3000. Debate Tour is about.’

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK 10 Features ‘So... where do you come from?’ As a black or ethnic minortiy student, navigating a dual or poly identity can be complicated. The Gryphon explores diversity, curiosity and equal representation on campus.

Stephanie Uwalaka gard someone’s heritage? Or does this make Britain feel backgrounds, identified themselves as British or Eng- more like an integrated nation? lish. The demographic of Britain is changing, and has Black History Month calls for a reflection on the rich Nicole, an International Development student at the been for decades, but British identity is still strong and history of a range of cultures. It reminds us how much University of Leeds, spoke to The Gryphon about her prevalent in society. has changed and progressed, both here in Britain and views on ethnicity and diversity at university. ‘I think According to the last census carried out by ONS, 86 worldwide, and how interwoven our histories are. For that people will ask where you’re from out of curiosity, percent of Britain is Caucasian, with 14 percent making many students though, the notion of cultural identity but I also don’t think that there’s a good representa- up other ethnic groups. The census also states that Brit- and diversity is a complex issue. tion of ethnic minorities in higher education. Although ain is becoming ‘more ethnically diverse’, but this is not When becoming acquainted with new people, I don’t feel like I’m in a minority at uni , it is [evident reflected on university campuses across the UK. some of the first questions we may ask are ‘What’s that] there is one.’ A report published in 2013 by the Equality Chal- your name?’, ‘What do you study?’ and ‘Where are Another student from Bradford, with a Pakistani lenge Unit on equality in higher education found that you from?’. At a university where people have come background, said, ‘It can be a bit annoying when people only 19 percent of UK resident students were British eth- from all over the world to study, this nic minorities, and the ‘degree attainment last question could refer to a person’s gap was highest in England’, so in 2013 it hometown, where they were born or was harder for BME (Black and Minority even their heritage. This raises various Ethnic) students to achieve a first in their other questions on how you conceptu- degree than other non-BME students. In alise your own identity, the manner of addition, there has long been controversy the question asked and how you choose as to the number of British ethnic minori- to answer it. ties getting into Oxford and Russell Group While abroad this summer, I was universities, particularly those outside of introduced to a group of friends-of- London. friends, and after chatting for a bit was Nevertheless, according to a Race into asked ‘Where are you from?’, to which I Higher Education report, British ethnic replied ‘London’ as it’s where I was born minorities made up 11.3 percent of students and grew up. However, I was asked at the University of Leeds in the years again and again by the same new ac- 2007-2008, which is small but growing. quaintance I had made, and found my The report also states that ‘the proportion reply ‘London’ was met with a confused of ethnic minorities at university exceeds and unsatisfied ‘Right’. I later realised their share of the 18-24 year old population they probably meant to ask where I in the UK’ which rather positively reflects was from ‘originally’, and why I have the presence of ethnic minorities in higher

this mixture of features that make me University of Leeds © education on a national level. look the way I do. I also realised I had The Equality Challenge Unit, a body replied with my hometown, not out of ask where exactly you’re from because essentially I’m who work to bring about long-term change ignorance to my background, but because I felt that I British, but because I look different I’m assumed to be and progress in racial equality in the workplace, pro- had been asked the wrong question. from somewhere else. It can feel like prying depending duced Equality Charter statistics which demonstrate on how you ask, but I am happy to answer most of the that more ethnic minority students (22.4 percent of I later realised they probably time.’ them) are in taught post-graduate education. The ECU We decided to go around campus, investigating also affirm that ‘all individuals have multiple identities’ meant to ask where I was from how random people reacted after being asked ‘Where to account for further diversity in their findings. Not ‘originally’ are you from?’ Most replied with their hometown within everything, especially something as subjective as identi- Britain, some asked ‘what do you mean, background ty, is black or white. The phrasing of a question therefore is important in or hometown?’ and some replied with their ethnicity or The face of Britain is changing. The world we live in asking individuals about their identity. To ask ‘Where nationality straight away. All participants were open to is changing. With the increasing interconnectedness of is your family from?’ or ‘What’s your background?’ is answer the question. people and places, we will see increasing diversity in the perhaps a more sensitive and considerate way to respect This brings us to the question of how people choose UK and further afield in years to come. So the next time “the identities of an individual and to learn about a per- to identify themselves. On a national scale, the 2011 Na- someone asks where you’re from, know that its one step son, without causing any confusion in an environment tional Census carried out by the Office for National Sta- closer to the wider population gaining an understand- where people can come from a variety of places and tistics was the first survey to question Britons on their ing of the multicultural society we live in and getting make others feel that their origin can be interesting to national identity. The results showed that 96.2 percent to know and understand you better as a human being. others. It’s not ideal that people ask, but if they’re” going of people identified with an English or British identity Being asked ‘Where are you from?’ should be asked in to ask, then it should be phrased in the right manner. alongside any other ethnic identity, with 29.1 percent of a manner of polite curiousness and interest in order to In the same way, when these questions do get asked, those identifying as British with any other identity. So integrate, to understand and to appreciate cultures other does this imply a sense of rootlessness? Does this disre- most of the population, even those from various ethnic than your own and to begin to identify with them.

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK Comment 11 Comment Academia Ebola Morgan Freeman Remi Salisbury discusses black Samuel Lewis talks about the Richard Jarram looks at why underrepresentation in academia disparity in media coverage on Black History Month is so impor- Ebola tant Why we must strive for academic diversity Remi Salisbury PhD Ethnicity and Racism Studies [email protected]

ecently, there has been an upsurge in attention paid to the higher educational expe- riencesR of BME (Black Minority Ethinic) students and staff. This is evident in the organisation and popularity of last year’s ‘Blackness in Britain’ conference; the subsequent establishment of a Black Studies Asso- ciation, the establishment of the Black PhD Network, and increasing pressure for Black studies courses to be taught at institutions across the UK. Inspired by our US counterparts, the blogspot.com UK has witnessed the ‘I too am Oxford’ and ‘I too am Sheffield’ campaigns, and intellectualism is a white pursuit, and voices are, too often, marginalised to atic marginalisation and the institu- events at the University of Surrey and conversely that black life is anti-intel- issues pertaining to race. In 2009 the tional racism that continually sees the University of Central London. lectual, needs to be destabilised. NUS Black students campaign found black students reporting lower rates of Through events such as the forth- This hierarchical thinking has a that 41% of their respondents felt that satisfaction with their education. coming ‘Is academia the place for me?’ long-standing history that has main- their curriculum failed to ‘reflect issues We must also challenge the ad- here at Leeds, this momentum must be tained white hegemony, inside and out- of diversity, equality and discrimina- ministration processes that see higher maintained. side of academia. To disrupt this, black tion’. Across disciplines, despite valuable acceptance rates for white students. There is a startling underrepresenta- role models and representation need to contributions by scholars of colour, we Attributed to a racial bias towards tion of BME staff across universities; be present; indeed, this was a key rec- still see core modules with reading lists British sounding names, this is particu- there are only 85 black professors across ommendation of an NUS black students’ made up solely of white male academ- larly pertinent in elite institutions such the UK and only 17 of these are wom- survey. ics. We must consider which voices are as our own. en. Research and activism has begun In terms of knowledge production, privileged, by who and why. With all the racialised barriers in to shine the light on the experiences of we must be aware of the limitations of The overwhelming whiteness of ac- earlier stages of education, and in wider BME staff. Black academics often oc- ademia that too often leaves BME stu- society, we must ensure that we work cupy precarious positions. Scholars de- We must disrupt the white dents feeling alienated and marginal- to improve the experiences of those scribe a brain-drain, particularly in so- curricula, the white student ised means that we need to continue to students that do make it to university cial sciences, with a significant number body that sees the black reflect on, and critique the limitations of and hope this leads to an increase in of scholars leaving for the US. body become a body out of the current system; limitations that see the number of black academics. This Those that have left have attributed striking disparities in attainment and will only be brought about by conscious their decision to experiences of racism, place retention rates. efforts from the black student body. low career prospects and research agen- “ With education increasingly impor- Whilst we must not obscure the diversi- das that marginalise race. intellectual canons that silence black tant for social mobility, and thus political ty in experiences within the BME group, The cultural theorist Paul Gilroy voices. If we assume that knowledge representation, equitable employment we must find spaces to discuss our suggests that ‘The idea of being a black production is a primary aim of higher and an equitable society, interventions shared experiences. That’s why events intellectual seems a bizarre oxymoron in education institutions, then we must ask must be made at every level. In High- such as the forthcoming ‘Is academia England’. whether it is sustainable” for education er Education we must disrupt the white the place for me?’ and the formation We have to consider the messag- to continue to ignore contributions of curricula, the white staff and the white of groups, committed to continual ag- es that such underrepresentation and black staff and students. student body that sees the black body itation, are integral to any progressive marginalisation transmits to students, The racialised barriers are also ev- become a body out of place. action. as well as wider society. The idea that ident in ethnocentric“” curricula. Black We must challenge the system- THEGRYPHON.CO.UK 12 Comment Ebola doesn’t discriminate; why should we? Samuel Lewis Classics [email protected]

people choose to ignore the suffering of poverty stricken countries in Africa most of the year round. For the privi- leged white West, we can turn off the television when a charity advert comes on and escape the unspeakable star- vation and disease depicted; something which, for millions of people, is a reality that is preordained and unavoidable. However, when a problem that af- fects black people in developing coun- tries begins to threaten white people in Western countries, suddenly every- one wants to know more. Stories about disease are incredibly emotive and vis- ceral, with daily updates of the victims and their deteriorating health. Yet there are subtle and some not- so-subtle suggestions of blame within the stories. Thomas Duncan, a black Westerner, was initially turned away from a US hospital when complaining of symptoms. Whilst it may not be the immediate assumption that someone outside West Africa has Ebola, critics argue that a white person with insur- ance would have received better treat- ment. However, Duncan, who tragically died from the infection, faced criminal charges for suspicion of ‘intentionally exposing the public’ to Ebola. wikipedia.org On the other hand, white health- care workers who had become infect- bola is scary. In the past have employed a rhetoric that likens profit and a joke by some, whilst also ed were flown back to Western nations weeks, we have been re- the threat of Ebola to an invasion from being lauded as the end of days? In for treatment. Some treated them as peatedly informed that it is an enemy nation. “Ebola has landed on Sierra Leone, Ebola is now killing 20 heroes, whilst others questioned the a deadlyE disease that has killed, and American soil”, the headlines scream; people per day, but in the West, it reasoning behind bringing an infect- continues to kill people on a worrying the outrage is palpable. In front of the would seem that mocking is the appro- ed person to a non-infected country- scale. What ought to be challenged, White House, there have been protests priate reaction- that is, of course, until surely this should also be deemed as however, is the coverage by some news by demonstrators in bio-hazard suits it finally landed on our own turf. ‘intentionally exposing the public’? agencies of the outbreak. Constantly there are calls for more When a problem is isolated to a distant It has been compared by some to “Ebola has landed on Amer- to be done. Ebola has spread most and foreign community, most people the racist presentation of AIDS; the ican soil”, the headlines quickly in areas where people live are more willing to ignore it, but things epidemic in the 1980s saw in a peri- scream; the outrage is in close proximity, as it is spread by become very different when the issue od of intense public anxiety towards a person to person contact, and while it palpable seems closer to home. disease that had, previously, been may not discriminate by race or nation- The reality is that treating Ebola as simply a distant problem in a distant ality as to whom it infects. the coverage a hot button race issue is not as simple country. Ebola has been the foremost carrying pickets declaring ‘STOP THE by the media certainly does. as saying that the coverage has been international concern in the minds of “FLIGHTS’. When a disease is presented As soon as a white Westerner is racist. There is, however, a deep distrust many for months now, with constant by the mainstream media showing al- infected, the news seize it. By follow- by some of a disease that springs up yet detatched coverage of a lethal most exclusively black victims, hysteria ing these minority of cases closely, the in the poorest black communities. This outbreak in some faraway coun- amongst the white West” seems to en- media are able to build up a picture of carries with it a wealth of rhetoric that try- a safe distance from the West. sue. It has become such a widespread a more immediate threat to Western plays on the fears of those who turn a Recently, however, the Telegraph pub- topic that there is even a range of nations. There have been officially only blind eye to global suffering, and only lished an article entitled “Ebola fears on Halloween costumes that have recently three cases of Ebola infection within the speak up when that suffering seems as the cocktail party circuit”, with a pic- become available. US and - whilst the disease is by no if it may become their own. ture showing two white people ‘air kiss- So why this disparity in the treat- means a source of competition - with ing’, demonstrating, quite clearly, where ment of the disease by the media? Why the African death toll at approximate- media priorities lie. is the explosion of Ebola in the public ly 12,000, the media favouritism seems Some American news reporters mind treated as a way to make a quick almost laughably obvious. In fact, many

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK Comment 13 Black History Month: why it matters

Richard Jarram room, including the room itself, just sud- movement you’ll find that the causes of By dedicating one month in a year to English denly cease to exist. emancipation began within the cultural focus on cultural topics of race, you are [email protected] We are clearly not living in a post-ra- domain, the world of discourse and rep- not entrenching a racial division; you are cial world. Many statistical studies reveal resentation. It is within this world that a opening up the conversation and debate ow do we end racism? By re- a glaring structural socio-economic ine- community identity and solidarity was from out of the academy and out into fusing to talk about it. quality in British (even more so in Ameri- found. Writers like Aimé Cesare and the wider public, increasing awareness of can) society wherein black ethnic minority political and historical controversies, and HThis is Morgan Freeman’s view on so- groups are statistically at a disadvantage. Apparently, we create the enhancing cultural integration. I’m not cio-economic inequality in the USA, and A recent study done by the Jobs Econ- problem of racism by talking personally and directly affected by the di- probably why he gets so peeved off about omist think tank showed that, in 2013, it into being...maybe, then, aspora, but in virtue of being British, this Black History Month, as he evidently did black youth unemployment was at 45 narrative is just as much part of my tra- when asked about the subject in the inter- per cent as opposed to the modest 7-8 we should stop talking about dition and historical identity as the War of view on CNN in June this year. per cent unemployment rate amongst the climate change, or overpopu- the Roses is. Who would have expected that the white demographic. lation Awareness of a problem is the first Voice of God, a man who could, with the You cannot controvert a fact by refus- “ step towards finding a solution. By silenc- music of his vocal chords, charm a snake, ing to talk about it: and that’s why Black Frantz Fanon, with their ideas, laid down ing the debate, you are simply acting out or untie a Gordian knot solely with the History Month is a positive phenomena. the historical foundations upon which fu- the dialectical ostrich that sticks its head in pure power of speech, would dismiss the Change is initiated by conversation. If ture leaders like Martin Luther King and the sand to win an argument. topic of racism in such a blasé fashion. you look at the progress of the civil rights Malcolm X stood. His very superficial, and typically con- ” servative argument runs like this: individu- al strength of will is the determining factor of success in life, and race is no longer an impediment to personal objectives since slavery was a quirk of the ‘olden days’. For Freeman, indulging in overtly racial discourse - as Black History Month does by focusing society’s cultural lens on black history - we are only entrenching the cat- egorical racial differences between Black and White communities that we wish to eliminate. Apparently, we create the prob- lem of racism by talking it into being. Firstly, this is just an invalid argu- ment. Secondly, if this were true, maybe we should just stop talking about climate change, or overpopulation, or global ter- rorist threats because - well, we just create greenhouse gases and entire populations and terrorists by talking about them. Actually, Mr. Freeman’s excellent turn-a- blind-eye approach reminds of my little nephew, who thinks that by wrapping his palms around his shut eyes that somehow, filmweb.pl miraculously, myself and everyone in the 12,000 85 88,000 people have died from Ebola black professors in the recorded racist incidents in so far UK UK schools between 2007 and 2011

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK Debate 14 Debate Do we still need Black History Month?

Black History Month has been celebrated and observed annually in the UK since 1987. The month is intended to celebrate the input and presence of black individuals in this country’s history, but has been met with mixed reviews of criticism and praise. This week, The Gryphon Debate asks if Black History Month is still relevent in modern Britain.

Illustration: Danny Wilson Yes Olivia Nwabali ou’re going to relegate my butions and achievements of black people there were indeed black faces in as An- history to a month? throughout history. cient Greece and Victorian England. It However, I did not know the names of Y Maya Angelou, Mary Seacole or Ignatius Such were the powerful and It is a small cry into the abyss of the offers people the chance to learn about surprising remarks made by Morgan Free- past that resurrects figures that have been individuals who look like them and have Sancho until my father gave me a book man when he put forth his views on Black omitted from historical accounts. It is achieved success and contributed to to- on black history. I had a list of names History Month (BHM). about honoring the legacy of those across day’s society. and yet no clue of their place in what Some people may say that in Britain all fields of human accomplishment, from But BHM is not just about educating I already knew of history or how they we do not need Black History Month to literature to science to sport, who just so those with a black heritage; it gives chil- existed in relation to their the same degree as in America. It is true happen to be black. BHM allows us all to dren of non-black origin the opportunity contemporaries. that the black experience differs from one acknowledge a rich culture and a people to explore part of the past that is often Black history should not be confined country to another, especially when con- of resonating influence. It displaces the ignored. to October, quietly jammed in before the sidering the very different backgrounds of idea that black history is only rooted in Ian Thomas, an organiser of the of- main autumn event of Halloween, but colonialism. Ask a black Briton about their ficial guide to BHM 2014, tells me that British history is irrevocably entwined origins and they’ll say Nigeria, Jamaica, “There were indeed black faces “black culture and black history influ- with black history. Ghana etc. Asking an African-American in Ancient Greece and Victori- ences us all. Black History Month brings However, it is often represnted through the distorting screen of oppression rather the same question will be met with much an England...” everyone together, from communities all less certainty. Black British citizens are ar- over the country, to celebrate something than one of glory. guably the most assimilated group in our coercion and persecution. different.” As long as the mainstream histo- multicultural society. So why do we still History gives us roots, it adds to our My African ancestry was never ex- ry curriculum nurtures the idea of two need BHM? identity and we can draw power and pride plored at school, and yet my Italian herit- separate narratives, Black History Month The purpose of Black History Month“from things that may be long gone, but age was. I learnt about Ancient Rome, of remains meaningful, enlightening and is to recognise and celebrate the contri- not forgotten. BHM explores the”fact that Mussolini and Abyssinia and much more. ultimately relevant to all.

No Sophie Bell

hy should black history be history of other races is segregation. of English history and therefore ‘black his- not separated. confined to just one month? An article in The Guardian during tory’. If we seek an equal representation of W Though any kind of rec- history, we should not be narrowed into last October’s Black History Month was The fear of being politically incor- ognition of the oppression that black people headlined ‘Black History Month can only rect and/or racist prevents people from calling history ‘black’ or ‘white’. have faced throughout history is important, be declared a success once it’s redun- discussing and therefore becoming aware Returning to a point made by Morgan this is something that should be ever present dant’. of racial issues of the past. Freeman in the interview discussed, the in people’s minds. To confine is to diminish Andrea Stuart furter stated of this way to get rid of racism is to ‘stop talking importance and marginalise. Specifying a issue that ‘slavery and colonialism is a about it’. This is a powerful argument can single month for black history suggests that If we seek an equal representa- ghost that still haunts modern Britain, be applied to this debate of Black History for the other eleven months of the year it tion of history, we should not because we have never fully exorcised it.’ Month. has lessened relevance. be narrowed into calling history Eager not to offend, people see a By continuing to have ‘Black History Ideally, we ought to celebrate this side of ‘black’ or ‘white’... problem with raising such topics, which Month’, we continue to name black history our history every month. as something different and extraneous to Morgan Freeman, when questioned 1500s - the century which the rest of our country’s history. Histories about Black History Month in an interview saw Britain’s black community of all races are equally valid and impor- on American television, labelled it ‘ridicu-“The writer, Andrea Stuart, comments tant. For all to be recognised, none should officially recorded. There has been lous’. that, ‘Indeed, much of what we designate be singled out. He ended his discussion of the topic by as black history is in fact simply English a black population in Britain claiming that ‘I don’t want a Black History history – stories we should all remember since the Roman Empire. Month. Black history is American history.’ and acknowledge.’ ” The same applies to the United The problem seems to be that people contributes therefore to the segregation of Kingdom. Dividing black history from the continue to be uneducated in all aspects black history. It needs to be assimilated, THEGRYPHON.CO.UK Crossword 15

ACROSS

3 Country affected by a spate of shoot- ings 5 Mobile phone brand name to be dropped by Microsoft 6 Ex-Radio 1 DJ criticised for releasing a promotional track for UKIP 7 Retail giant that has lost stock vale 'equiv- alent to size of Jamaican economy' 8 Indian film set to be released and shown under police protection 9 This political blogger celebrates his tenth birthday this week 10 The Dominican-born fashion designer who passed away on Monday DOWN

1 Football player under fire for undressing prematurely 2 Convicted murderer, released after 44 years, guilty of killing 3 police officers in 1966 4 Cleared up at the MOBO awards, winning four awards We are “ I wanted to make a currently difference, looking for so I did”

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THEGRYPHON.CO.UK 16 Science Rewilding Britain: hungry for a home

The Guardian ©

Dougie Philips majority of our native forests have now gued implementation. fauna, which would have otherwise not been lost. The rewilding of the Yellowstone survived during increased elk grazing, to The idea of wolves wandering a This has prompted a growing interest National Park, which is situated in the be successful.

windswept landscape is one straight out in rewilding initiatives as potential tools United States, first began in 1995 when Closer to home, there have been of a George. R. R. Martin novel, an im- for improving the biodiversity of nat- large scale carnivore restoration was im- positive early re-introduction trials for age now synonymous with the northern ural habitats. The basic principle of plemented. The project saw the reintro- numerous species within the European reaches of Westeros and the Starks of rewilding involves the reintroduction of duction of wolves, as well as increased “ Union, including the likes of wolves, Winterfell. However, as the topic of ‘re- formerly native plant and animal species, numbers of grizzly bears, to control the bears and bison. Although it is too wilding’ Britain has once again raised its early to tell what level of success will furry head, the cinematic northern wil- be achieved, these positive moves have derness depicted in the TV series Game Today, ecosystems within the UK continue to been attributed to the growing collab- of Thrones could soon be witnessed a orative efforts for wildlife protection little closer to home. experience declines in biodiversity, a situation experienced in Europe. These joint There was once a time when apex endeavours have, understandably, drawn predators, such as wolves and bears, indicative of a growing global problem attention to conservation within the UK. were prominent features of a wild and Well known author, journalist and untamed British countryside. But as hu- “to return the land back to its historic feeding habits of the elk population environmental activist George Monbiot man civilisation increased and expand- wild state. This is by no means a new within the area. Extensive scientific has become the unofficial figurehead ed within Britain, these animals were concept, with its potential application in research has shown that the project has behind the move towards rewilding, fol- targeted and, ultimately, eliminated from Britain previously discussed on numer- been successful in increasing biodiver- lowing his latest book, Feral: Searching our shores. Today, ecosystems within ous occasions during the last 15 years. sity, with the reassertion of a dominant for Enchantment on the Frontiers of the UK continue to experience declines However, the well documented success predator in the area allowing local plants Rewilding, published in 2013. In a recent in biodiversity, a situation indicative of of the Yellowstone rewilding project, and and tree species to re-establish. This interview with National Geographic he a growing global problem. As a result, the consequent film How Wolves Change process, known as a trophic cascade, has stresses, ‘By bringing back what biolo- most of our large mammals and the Rivers has given more weight to its ar- allowed different species of flora and gists call keystone species – species that

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK Science 17

have an impact on other species and are undertaken, especially those involving ecological engineers, creating habitats apex predators, would involve local Wolves in Britain for other species – you kick-start these communities throughout the process. - After the Norman invasion, dynamic ecological processes.’ This will ensure that concerns over their some historians write that His high profile support of rewilding livelihoods and, perhaps more impor- rather than being executed, has played a vital role in promoting tantly, their safety are properly attended criminals would have to the growing discussions within the UK, to. When thoughts turn to wolves and provide a certain number of spreading its message to members of bears roaming the countryside, fear is wolf toungues annually. the public previously missed in past an understandable emotion to have. - Wolf attacks on livestock years. Clearly the UK has been left However, why should we be scared of became such a problem that wanting, compared to the rest of Europe, animals in their natural habitat? With James I of Scotland passed with regards to biodiversity; a point a proper understanding of their behav- a law in 1427, requiring three recently highlighted in last month’s iours, and appropriate monitoring, there hunts a year during cubbing Environmental Audit Committee’s report, is no reason why the UK cannot begin season. which gave the area a damning review. to reproduce the success experienced at - King Edward I (1272-1307) It would therefore be fair to suggest that the likes of Yellowstone. ordered the extermination of Britain has excelled at talking the talk, As the nights begin to draw in, the all wolves from his kingdom. but been found lacking in the walking words of Ned Stark become fitting, - Official records state that department. But, as Monbiot maintains, ‘winter is coming’, though it still begs the the last British wolf was ‘Talk precedes action’. question: will the wolves be joining as killed in 1680 although, The rewilding of Britain would focus well? some tales insist that one on unpopulated areas of highland, cur- For more information visit www.yellow- was seen as late as 1888. An Anglo-Saxon wolf hunt illustrated in rently low on biodiversity. Any projects stonenationalpark.com/wolves.htm Thomas Miller’s The British wolf-hunter

Fibre Optic Internet: Are we too slow?

Evan Canwell world. focused on replacing these old cables Link’, which aims to provide a fibre optic After that, things didn’t really evolve in developed countries, it’s much easier network for Uganda’s capital city, Kam- Chances are you’re vaguely aware at a great pace. The world seemed con- to lay shiny new ones in the developing pala. A cynic may say Google’s targeting of the internet. You may also be aware tent with information carried by electrical world. of emerging countries is a shameless of words like ‘dial-up’, ‘broadband’ and cables. Then, in 1966, the world’s first Despite slow speeds and notoriously drive to increase the number of people ‘DSL’ which are usually thrown about fibre optic cable was made and became high prices, there is huge demand for using their products. However access to by computer technicians, movie hackers commercially available a while later in the internet access in Africa. There are cur- the internet is a great enabler and pro- and computer salesmen. Now there’s a early 2000s. rently 240 million Internet users across vides many benefits such as education, new term in the computing vocabulary: Since then, they’ve become the African continent, with new opportunities and business links. ‘fibre optics’. increasingly popular this number increasing African countries have the potential to So what exactly are fibre optics, and with most inter- by seven times the skip the developed world’s Stone Age more importantly, why should you care? net providers. global average copper cables and move straight onto Fibre optics are essentially thin glass You’ve proba- between 2000 fibre optics, which could grant them the cables that carry information in the form bly no- and 2012. highest internet speeds in the world. of light over long distances. They‘re the ticed the Africa These days we expect everything to Ferraris of the digital world and currently leaflets (excluding work instantaneously and feel outraged the fastest method of transferring digital piling up Eritrea when webpages take more than a few information. on your and seconds to load. Fibre optics provide a Using light for communication isn’t a doormat Western way for the internet to continue to work new idea. The semaphore line, invented adver- Sahara) at the light-like speeds we’ve come to in 1792, used light signals at the top of tising is linked expect. Although it’s virtually impossible a tower which could then be seen by ‘super-fast to Europe, to predict major technological advances another tower which sent the signal to fibre optic America before they happen, it’s hard to see how subsequent towers. Just picture the scene broadband’. and Asia by 16 information travelling at the speed of in Lord of the Rings where they light However, any cables running light could be improved. the flaming beacons along the moun- large scale improve- under the world’s Having endured painfully slow, tains and you’ll get the basic idea. ment to A cross section of an underwater fibre-optic cable oceans. As of screeching dial-up connections, we know Next up was the electric telegraph the internet 2014, a signifi- there will definitely be an improvement in 1832. As the name suggests, it used networks in the developed world is slow cant number of projects to lay fibre op- in the way we access the internet in the electricity to send information down because of the old metal cables that are tic cables in the developing world have future. Whatever form this may take, metal cables and was the first system to quite literally entrenched in those coun- been completed, with many more on the you can be sure fibre optics will be allow messages to be sent all around the tries. The largest fibre optic projects aren’t way. One such project is Google’s ‘Project involved.

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK 18 Sport

The issue of racism is never far from the surface within sport, and with this week’s issue com- memorating Black History Month, The Gryphon looks at the current sporting state of affairs. Will racism ever be eradicated from sport?

2011, when Chelsea’s John Terry and Manchester City midfielder Yaya appears that around the world, racism Nancy Gillen Liverpool’s Luis Suarez were both Toure has even suggested that is still a problem in sport. Progress has Comment accused of racially abusing another African players should not attend been made, especially in England, but player. The fact that two prominent the tournament after he was racially the fact that incidents of racial abuse From Jesse Owen winning four gold players were accused of discriminatory abused playing against CSKA Moscow are still occurring shows that more must medals in the 1936 Berlin Olympics - behaviour in the modern game shows last year. The carefree attitude of many be done. countering Nazi propaganda claims of that although progress has been made, European ‘Aryan racial superiority’ - to the 1968 there is still a racist undercurrent in officials Olympics Black Power salute protesting English sport. intensifies against racial discrimination, racism has It must be said, however, that the problem, always been an issue in sport. English sport is a considerable distance with many In today’s diverse and multi-cultural ahead of other parts of Europe in incidents going world of sport, racism should be an terms of the number of displays of unpunished out-of-date idea. Sport encompasses racist behaviour and the subsequent or just simply all ethnicities; what matters is ability. punishments handed out. Only at the being denied. Indeed in English football, there has beginning of this month did a racist Racist been improvement since the 1980s, demonstration at a football match comments when bananas thrown on to the pitch, in Bulgaria stun people around the made earlier monkey gestures, racist jibes by players world. Supporters of Levski Sofia held this year by the and discriminatory chants from the up a banner with the words “Say owner of the stands were commonplace. Nowadays, yes to racism” emblazoned across it, Los Angeles around 25% of professional players mocking Uefa’s well-known anti-racism Clippers are from Black and Minority Ethnic campaign, and were fined less than basketball backgrounds. With a more accepting £8,000. If this obviously discriminatory team, Donald society and campaigns by organisations display was a standalone event it would Sterling, such as Kick It Out, racist incidents in be bad enough, but football in Eastern showed that football are now few and far between. Europe has been rocked with scandal racism in Nonetheless, the fact that it happens after scandal, resulting in growing modern day at all shows that racial discrimination concerns about holding the World Cup sport is not has not been fully stamped out of 2018 in Russia, just as there were about just confined English sport. A prime example is in Euro 2012 in Ukraine and Poland. to football. It Real Clear Sports ©

Does British Football need a ‘Rooney Rule’? Greg Whitaker start of the 2014/15 season not one of the Rule’. Spearheaded by Pittsburgh from any sport had faced each other at Football 92 English League clubs was managed Steelers’ owner Dan Rooney, the England’s national stadium. by a black manager. How is this possible rule made it compulsory for all NFL Although the concept of introducing In a week when a statue of Arthur in a country where around 25% of franchises to interview at least one the ‘Rooney Rule’ into British football Wharton, the world’s first black professional players are black? minority ethnic candidate ‘in good faith has been discussed as recently as last professional footballer, was unveiled at A fortnight ago, the Football League and with an open mind’ when looking year, both the Premier League and England’s St George’s Park, the question announced that a review into the under- to fill any head-coach or general Football League seem reluctant to act. of racial equality in British football representation of black, Asian and manager vacancy. In 2011, Premier League CEO has once again been forced back minority ethnic (BAME) managers It paid dividends almost Richard Scudamore said, ‘If people onto the agenda. and coaches in British football is immediately. Prior to 2002, in the 80 are good enough, then they will get At the beginning of to get underway. years of professional American Football chances,’ while just last month Jose last season, there were One potential solution in the US, the NFL only saw 6 BAME Mourinho agreed, ‘There is no racism in four black managers to the problem of under- coaches. Since 2002, that number has football – if you are good, you get the across the four representation comes doubled and is expected to rise season job.’ professional from American on season. So, does British football need a divisions Football. September 2013 saw Pittsburgh face ‘Rooney Rule? Put it this way – 125 in England In 2002 Minnesota at Wembley in the annual years on from Arthur Wharton (Hughton, Powell, the NFL NFL away day. In a spectacular match, becoming the first black professional, Kiwomya and introduced it was easy to overlook that both head- the statistics suggest that British Ince). Fast-forward the coaches were black. Incredibly, this football is still very much institutionally 12 months, and at the ‘Rooney was the first time two black managers racist.

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK Sport 19 ‘We want to build a legacy for Yorkshire cricket’

Following Yorkshire’s record 33rd County Championship title, Captain Andrew Gale spoke exclu- sively to The Gryphon about the team’s recent triumph and his route into cricket.

First of all, congratulations really stepped up to the plate and got I had a bit of a slow start really and I didn’t get much on Yorkshire’s recent success. the job done. of an opportunity until I was about 20 years old. You’ve How does it feel to have captained got to be really patient and wait for your chance, but your home county to their first Champion- Regardless of your suspension, when it comes you’ve got to step up and make sure you ship title since 2001? you will always be recognised grab it with both hands. as having been the captain of It’s immense. The support has been overwhelming - you Yorkshire when they won the Many University of Leeds students know Heading- don’t realise how well-supported the team 2014 County Champion- ley Stadium well now because of the cricket and is until you win something like we have ship. Would you say that rugby that is on offer there. How would you urge done. I’ve been playing for Yorkshire since that is the pinnacle of more students to get involved? I was 10 years old and to finally lead the your career so far? team to a Championship was a dream There are some great deals on for students now. I come true. think if people are still around they should get down to Headingley for some of the Twenty20 games next What went right this year after finish- year because it’s a great night out. The matches will ing second in the previous campaign? be starting a bit later at 7pm and I’m sure it’ll be a great occasion for students to come along to. The test We didn’t perform badly at all last year matches are always good - you can see on the TV the and it wasn’t a case of us throwing it amount of people that come in fancy dress and have away. I think Durham won it rather than we lost it, but Yeah, it is definitely the a good drink on the Western Terrace. There’s always a we did learn some valuable lessons. I think we learnt pinnacle of my career. To be mentioned in the same great atmosphere. how to concentrate on the process – we didn’t get breath as some of the legends that captained Yorkshire carried away with where we were at any stage this year. to Championships before such as Brian Close and David What are Yorkshire’s aims for next season? Will Obviously, the lads had one eye on the League and it Byas is amazing. We hadn’t won it for 13 years, so to you be looking to add to your record of Champion- was my job as Captain and the job of the management eventually get it done is a very proud moment for me ship titles or will you maybe try to add one-day or group to make sure that they didn’t get ahead of them- and all of my family. T20 success to your recent triumph? selves. We used the old-fashioned stance of taking it game by game, session by session, ball by ball and we How did you begin playing cricket and what is We want to build a legacy now for Yorkshire cricket. set each other little targets as we went along to make your history with Yorkshire County Cricket Club is. We don’t just want to win it one year and not again for sure that we didn’t get ahead of ourselves. Where did it all start? another 13 years. It’s about backing last year up and being consistent so we can win as much silverware with Who were the stand-out performers this year? I was pretty lucky really – I started playing for Gomer- this team as we can. Obviously, international call-ups sal and I accidentally turned up for a Yorkshire under-11s are going to be key – especially with the West Indies The two lads opening the batting – Adam Lyth and trial thinking it was a local district trial. God knows why tour at the start of next season – but I still think we Alex Lees – were fantastic for us all season, averaging they picked me - I didn’t get a run until I was have a strong enough academy with players coming nearly 80 for the opening stand. Jack Brooks got 60- 13 years old. I was lucky to be one of the only through that have the potential to become the next odds wickets in his first full Championship season and ones to start my journey from that early on Joe Root or Gary Ballance. There’s obviously more was vital for us. Adil Rashid really came into his own alongside Tim Bresnan. expectation as you start to win later in the season when the wickets were really dry stuff, but I think we’ve got a and then there’s Ryan Sidebottom, who also had a great How aware are you of cricket at the mature enough squad to really season for us. You could name all of the team really – University of Leeds? What do you keep consistently pushing there have been stand-out performers throughout and know about Leeds/Bradford MCCU? for trophies now. I think there’s it’s truly been a team effort from start to finish. a fantastic team and work ethic We see the cricket team around a little bit in training within the team How frustrating was it being banned for the last and I know some of the management. We usually and a real two matches of the season and not being able to play Leeds/Bradford in the first game of the season hunger to receive the trophy? and I think they have improved a lot over the last few keep per- years - they’ve certainly given us a run for our mon- forming. It did take the gloss off that day a little bit. As I said ey and it’s always a good workout for us to start the earlier, I’ve been representing Yorkshire since I was 10 season with. – I’ve worked so hard my entire career to try and lift that trophy and not being able to at Trent Bridge was Thinking back to when you were our age, what difficult. I’ve had a tough time but ultimately we set out advice would you give to any of our cricketers who to win the Championship and we did that. Joe Root did are looking for a career in the game? a great job as Captain and after I got the ban the lads

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK 20 Sport Should England stars play in the 2015 Under-21 European Championships? Yes No Rhys Stevens they will undoubtedly benefit from their Peter White Hughes supposed to develop into full big-match experience. England internationals if the likes of With the ensuing debate raging I think that in England While it may initially seem Calum Chambers and Alex Oxlade- about whether England’s youngsters we often fall victim to extremely attractive and perhaps almost Chamberlain take their plane tickets to such as Liverpool whizzkid Raheem bringing a player into the obvious to take the best eligible players the Czech Republic. You might argue Sterling should be in contention for senior fold far too early, to the next year’s under-21 European that competing in an international under-21 boss Gareth Southgate’s plans before seeing their progress Championships, I think it is important tournament will provide the first team for next summer, the question should be flounder. Premier that people consider some of the with invaluable experience, however what is the harm? League bosses, issues that may arise as a result many of the players being talked The compelling argument for their such as Rob- of taking some of the senior about were in the 2014 World Cup inclusion is in light of Germany’s success erto players to the tournament. squad and getting them involved will at the 2014 World Cup after they honed Several Premier League surely restrict the development of a core of exciting young- managers have already the players that got the team to the sters from the under-21s and Martinez voiced their concerns Championships in the first place. bedded them into the senior and Arsene Wenger, over the idea; it is In addition, there is the ever- squad who went on to win the trophy. have slammed talk of certainly easy to see topical tiredness debate. Is it really Casting our minds back to the under-21 including some of the why. worth the risk of injuring or tiring European Championship final in 2009 top youngsters and Firstly, Roberto key senior team players who will between England and Germany, six have questioned the Martinez has suggested undoubtedly be required for the final players from that victorious German motivation of those that including big names France 2016 qualifiers next September side were lifting the World Cup in Rio who already have senior such as Ross Barkley and and October? As aforementioned, this summer, while only Manchester caps, but this is mainly Jack Wilshere would harm many of the eligible senior stars were City’s James Milner survived to grab based on selfish interest as the development of the involved at the World Cup and two a senior spot in the England squad. they look to protect their players’ senior team and the international tournaments in two Clearly, allowing youngsters to progress fitness. individual players as years would undoubtedly be taxing - on the international stage as a unit If England want to emulate it would effectively Raheem Sterling needed a rest after provides the senior side with valuable German success within the next decade go against the idea just 10 games of the season! tournament experience. or so, the FA needs to put emphasis on of using the under-21s As an avid England fan, I England have some great prospects allowing all top youngsters the opportu- to promote players to thoroughly wish the final under-21 in the under-21s including the in-form nity to progress and play for all England the first team. The squad every success next summer; Saido Berahino and Stoke City’s Jack age groups. The under-21s needs to concept of the however I hope that all of England’s Butland, however the presence of figures increase in importance and not to be under-21 team is to elite will be joining me by watching it such as Sterling and Oxlade-Chamber- treated as an effective B team; other- feed the senior side, yet how on the sofa. lain will only improve these players as wise what’s the point in retaining it? are the likes of Ben Gibson and Will Durham destroyed in badminton battle Nancy Gillen games in relatively quick succession. successive win. This excellent form the match lost was mostly on a level Women’s Badminton However, the other single match, from both single players was taken into pegging throughout, and a tightly Leeds Uni 1s 7-1 Durham 1s featuring Serena Midha, was more of their next matches, which were also contested and tense third game was a closely fought affair. The first game won, taking the score to 4-0 to Leeds. necessary to give Durham their first In their second game of the season, was even throughout, and the tension The double pairings of Harriet point in the overall contest after Leeds Leeds women’s badminton 1s secured rose when the game reached 20- West with Jojo Minihan and Lizzie and Durham won one game apiece. an impressive 7-1 win over Durham 1s, 20. After a series of excellent rallies, Hunt with Rae Lamour were also The team showed that they could grabbing their first three league points Midha’s perseverance finally paid off as extremely successful in the majority bounce back from the defeat against after a disappointing loss away to she won the game 27-25. Due to this of their games, showing excellent Loughborough last week, and bounce Loughborough last week. extension in play, her opponent from communication and movement. back in style. A well-fought 7-1 win In the opening singles matches, Durham seemed to tire in the second However it was in the opening against a strong Durham side will Helena Lewczynska showed her game, and didn’t show as much resolve, round of double games that Durham provide encouragement for the rest of superiority and skill by winning both with Midha obtaining her second gained their only point. Nonetheless the season.

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK Sport 21 Gryphons still searching for elusive win after second defeat on the bounce Daniel Nixon the home side struggling to Men’s Basketball keep up, as the teams headed Leeds Uni 1s 64-82 Teesside 1s in at the break with the visitors 46-26 ahead. Leeds After last week’s defeat to Sheffield, already had an immense task Uni were hungrier than ever to bounce ahead. back against a strong Teesside squad. Some of Uni’s best play They may have felt harshly done by came at the beginning of to go into the break behind after what the second half. Killian seemed to be a very even quarter. The Stanley showed some nimble team displayed considerable ambition movement in the pacey to get into the opposition’s danger area. breakaways, finishing them However the away team’s defence held off in style with a number of strong and were clinical with a bundle lay-ups. Their domination of breakaway moves to take an early had many of us thinking that lead of 12-18. a comeback may have been Teesside began to take control of on the cards. Teesside had the game early on in the second quarter different ideas however, and with a host of two pointers. The away scored a number of baskets Lucie England-Duce © side scored an impressive 28 points in towards the latter end of the a section of the game that they largely quarter – leaving Leeds with little hope complacency in the final quarter meant have left them feeling uplifted, despite dominated, with Teesside pulling out going into the final period. that, unfortunately, this was the only the outcome. The side face lower-league block after block and interception after Leeds had all but accepted that they period of the match that Uni outscored Bradford next time out in the cup, a interception. This was followed up by were heading for their second defeat their opponents. Overall, the Gryphons match the team will be desperate to win impressive breakaway attacks that left of the season. Nevertheless, Teesside’s gave a good performance that would in order to get their form back on track.

Try something new with Adam LeRoux This week’s sport of choice was important as the victory in battle. The footwork on your own have it all, moving in seamlessly each fencing. Now I don’t know about you, saluting of the referee and opponent with no opponent or time to attack. I was soon found to be an but when I think about the sport I before each match is testament to this, as blade to worry about expert at the lesser known approach of think about scenes from Pirates of the etiquette is not to be forgotten. was relatively easy, the ‘retreat and swipe’ technique, where Caribbean or Game of Thrones, where Now, onto the action, and a fairly but once you have you try to stave off the inevitable attack the gladiatorial competition of two rivals vigorous warm up session by Coach Tom to take into account as long as possible, something that 20 is conveyed with such grace and artistic Exeter to start, which certainly got the all of these factors at years of being a bespectacled redhead flair to create an oxymoronic spectacle blood pumping. The next drill included the same time the men had taught me well. for the onlooker to behold. jumping, and a lot of it, as the innovative really get separated from With a bit more practice I was soon Sports Hall 1 in The Edge may not use of blades as hurdles created a sharp- the boys. My opponent, winning points of my own, as defence Durham destroyed in badminton battle be the most spectacular of surroundings looking obstacle course also a beginner, slowly turned into attack. It was certainly in comparison, but watching the more to complete, testing seemed an experience never to be forgotten; the experienced fencers in action was footwork at the same to regal feeling when suited up and the certainly more dramatic. Looking on at time. licence to battle with blades is something the toing and froing of each pair along The battles soon everybody should get a chance to do. the piste, as points started cautiously and began, and with then sprung into life, was almost like my knowledge watching a Shakespearian masterpiece on épées and Got another sport you unfold. foils still in would like Adam to do? The Bard himself was also a keen its infancy I fencer and after donning the cottons wasn’t holding Send an email to and mesh mask attire, I could feel my breath [email protected] myself being transported back in time, when the piste to a place where sportsmanship and came calling. to get to join in. respect among competitors was just as Learning the

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK 22 Sport Gryphons grab dramatic late victory Charlotte Stones Leeds’ credit that they kept a cool head, 26, Northumbria missed a vital penalty work from Dowse and Gray, bringing a Netball playing the game minute-by-minute shot, resulting in huge cheers from the final score of 28-27. Leeds Uni 1s 28-27 Northumbria 1s and slowly gaining a more-refined Leeds bench. The Gryphons broke away momentum despite the speed and force in the final minutes thanks to excellent Leeds 1s put in an extraordinary with which Northumbria were passing. effort to beat Northumbria 1s in a tense The score at half time was 16-16. match on Wednesday. Going into the third quarter, tactics After falling just two goals short became unpredictable and though both against Loughborough in their first sides showed incredible fitness, this game of the season, Leeds were visibly stage of the match called for a slower eager for a win. The tension was high pace. Leeds’ centre, Potter, showed great in the opening minutes of the first commitment to the team, ensuring quarter and it was neck and neck from that the ball could reach the circle the start as Uni’s’ speed and accuracy as Northumbria’s defence weakened. was countered by Northumbria’s fierce Goal shooter, Crosbie, and goal attack, defending. Despite some skillful passing Scott, were on target in the D and the in the circle throughout the first 15 Northumbrian defence lost balance, minutes, the away side successfully giving away avoidable penalty shots to crowded Leeds out, restricting passing Leeds’ advantage. options. Returning to the court for the final The second quarter proved difficult quarter, The Gryphon Centre, was filled for Leeds. Harsh umpiring decisions with cheers from both benches. Leeds went against the hosts and valuable managed to net three goals which put penalty shots were conceded to them just ahead, yet the visitors refused

Northumbria’s advantage. It was to to give up the fight. With the score 26- Lucie England-Duce © Water Polo still awaiting first win

Adam LeRoux see why he was called up to the Team With seconds to go, Leeds grabbed trip to last year’s Premier Division win- Men’s Water Polo GB squad for the 2012 Olympics. a late consolation penalty but Durham ners Edinburgh next week will not be Leeds Uni 1s 4-14 Durham 1s Buoyed by Scott’s efforts, Leeds were by far the superior team here and an easy one. Leeds know what it takes started to claw away at the deficit. With fully deserved their 14-4 victory. With to overcome the Scottish side though, After a narrow defeat to Loughbor- some neat build-up play, they finally Scott in goal the Gryphons will always having taken a 13-3 victory the last ough in their season opener, Leeds went reaped their rewards and got the game stand a chance in this division, but a time the teams met. down once again as Durham took a 14-4 back to 4-2 - the second victory at the Edge on Tuesday night. being a superb back- The visitors had finished second handed effort past the in the Premier Division last year so hapless goalkeeper. the Gryphons knew to expect a tough As the second quarter match in the pool and right from the commenced the scores off the defence were called into action. were still tight, and a The Durham attack moved the ball powerful attempt by around with haste as they searched for Simon Morton-Grant kept the opening goal, stretching the Leeds Durham’s lead at only two defence from side to side. With four to keep the pressure on. minutes on the clock the first goal was The second half was a scored, and it had been on the cards, different story as Durham as the visitors finally found a free man took the upper hand - who made no mistake when given the their quick breaking abil- chance. ity and excellent distribu- With Ed Scott in goal the home side tion from the goalkeeper always stood a chance of getting back meant they profited from into the game if they could get their Leeds’ wayward attack, attack into gear. Scott saved two penalty as they countered numer- shots in the match and numerous other ous times to extend their one on one attempts, making it clear to lead. Sam Lewis © Sport 23 Beckett get Varsity revenge Results Badminton 1s (M) 3-5 Durham 1s Badminton 2s (M) 8-0 Huddersfield 1s Badminton 3s (M) 5-3 Bradford 1s Badminton 1s (W) 7-1 Durham 1s Basketball 1s (M) 64-82 Teesside 1s Basketball 2s (M) 71-82 York St. John 1s Basketball 3s (M) 64-19 Leeds Trinity 1s Basketball 1s (W) 61-17 Bradford 1s Fencing (M) 131-111 Manchester 2s Fencing (W) 133-135 Sheffield 1s Football 1s (M) 4-3 Sheffield Hallam 2s Football 2s (M) 1-2 Leeds Beckett 2s Football 3s (M) 1-2 Sheffield Hallam 3s Football 4s (M) 1-0 Hull 2s Football 1s (W) 12-0 Manchester 1s Football 2s (W) 3-3 Bradford 1s Football 3s (W) 0-6 Hull 1s Golf 3-3 Sheffield Hallam 1s Hockey 1s (M) 1-5 Nottingham 1s Hockey 2s (M) 4-4 Northumbria 1s Hockey 3s (M) 3-6 Newcastle 2s Hockey 4s (M) 6-1 Bradford 1s Hockey 5s (M) 4-2 Huddersfield 1s Hockey 6s (M) 2-2 Leeds Beckett 4s Hockey 1s (W) 1-4 Nottingham 1s Hockey 2s (W) 2-0 Newcastle 2s Hockey 3s (W) 1-2 Sheffield 2s Hockey 4s (W) 1-1 Leeds 5s Hockey 5s (W) 1-1 Leeds 4s Hockey 6s (W) 0-4 Leeds Beckett 3s Hockey 7s (W) 0-5 Bradford 1s Lacrosse 1s (M) 16-0 Durham 3s Will Stanley © Lacrosse 1s (W) 4-20 Nottingham 1s Lacrosse 2s (W) 8-23 Newcastle 2s Peter White Jackson as the away side worked their before he buried it into the bottom corner Netball 1s 28-27 Northumbria 1s Men’s Football way back into the game. from the edge of the area. Netball 2s 41-24 Newcastle 3s Leeds Uni 2s 1-2 Leeds Beckett 2s Uni had a penalty shout for handball The goal seemed to put a spring Netball 3s 34-37 Durham 2s waved away by the referee, before they in Bullock’s step as he was soon firing Netball 4s 45-24 Leeds Beckett 4s The University of Leeds 2s were denied the lead by a clearance on target again, with the home side Netball 5s 23-23 Northumbria 4s succumbed to a narrow defeat in a game off the line. Yet, it was Beckett who now chasing the lead. However, Beckett Netball 6s 18-45 Sunderland 2s against Leeds Beckett which could have scored the first goal of the game as an were also looking for another goal and Rugby League 1s 50-6 Manchester 1s gone either way. Having defeated their inswinging free-kick was met by a bullet were soon back in front. The Gryphons Rugby Union 1s (M) 18-16 Northumbria 1s opponents 3-1 in the Varsity fixture header that flew out of goalkeeper Cody conceded a foul after a spell of concerted Rugby Union 2s (M) 15-12 Sheffield Hallam 1s earlier this month, Uni were looking Wharton’s reach. pressure from Beckett, and there was Rugby Union 3s (M) 5-22 Newcastle 3s for a similar result this time around to The home side, however, weren’t truly no stopping the resultant free-kick Rugby Union 4s (M) 5-67 Newcastle 4s kick-start their league campaign after ready to lie down and responded well from roughly 35 yards. Rugby Union 1s (W) 7-32 Northumbria 1s suffering a heavy defeat to the 1s last to going behind. They quickly forced As the match reached its final stages, Squash 1s (M) 3-2 (9-8) Manchester Met 1s week. another corner which culminated in the pace of the game upped again with Squash 2s (M) 3-0 (9-3) Northumbria 2s In miserable conditions at Weetwood, a tame effort after a scramble in the Uni desperate for an equaliser. Strong Squash 3s (M) 3-0 (9-4) Huddersfield 2s the game began at a high tempo with Beckett penalty area. As the game tackles flew in all across the field and Squash 2s (W) 4-0 Northumbria 2s both sides looking to gain the upper headed towards half-time, Leaman a good save denied Bullock his second Table Tennis 1s (M) 0-17 Notts Trent 1s hand early on in this local derby. Uni initiated a well-worked one-two with goal of the game from a free-kick on the Table Tennis 2s (M) 14-2 Sunderland 1s enjoyed the lion’s share of possession captain Elliott Campbell which resulted edge of the 18-yard box. Tennis 1s (M) 8-4 Leeds Beckett 2s in the opening exchanges and forced in a great cross that almost led to a Beckett ended the game victorious Tennis 2s (M) 10-2 Sheffield 2s the first corners of the game after good Beckett own goal. but they were largely matched by the Tennis 3s (M) 2-10 Durham 4s pressure by Ben Leaman. However, Uni After the interval, the game largely home side and the win could quite Tennis 5s (M) 2-10 Durham 5s were reminded of the threat that the continued in the same vein and it wasn’t easily have been Uni’s on another day. Tennis 1s (W) 12-0 Liverpool JM 1s Beckett attack possess and impressive long before Uni were deservedly on level It is now imperative that the Gryphons Tennis 2s (W) 10-2 Durham 5s battling and last-ditch tackles were terms. Jack Bullock latched onto a fine take this performance into their next Tennis 3s (W) 0-12 Leeds Beckett 3s required from the Gryphons’ centre- through ball with a neat touch which game at home to Sheffield Hallam 2s Waterpolo 1s (M) 4-14 Durham 1s back pairing of Omar Bukleb and Chris took the ball away from the defender, on 5th November. Waterpolo 1s (W) 12-15 Loughborough 1s

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Black History Yorkshire Cricket Could the men's How did the men's Month: How Captain Andrew football 2s repeat basketball 1s fare has sport Gale speaks their Varsity against a tough embraced exclusively to The victory over Leeds Teesside ethnic Gryphon - p. 19 Beckett? - p. 23 team? - p. 21 diversity? - p. 18

Alice Greenfield © Leeds take the spoils with the foil • Two wins out of two for outstanding Gryphons •Victories in both épée and sabre sees winning streak extended

Alex Bowmer Although Leeds were still dominant, of the scoring apparatus (by that ever- Jamson and Rob Ward maintaining that Men's Fencing the away team were gaining a foothold reliable material, ducktape), the contest advantage. Manchester could now not Leeds Uni 1s 131-111 Manchester 2s in the contest – which was briefly was back underway. Coleman returned catch Leeds’ total score, meaning the punctuated when one of Manchester’s to the piste, but found the going contest was wrapped up, Manchester Leeds put down a marker for the rest sabreurs broke his blade during an tougher, as neither he, Au or Alastair soon gained renewed impetus and of the league as they maintained their exchange. Rather than fight on with Plant were specialists at the discipline. took the lead in the final weapon, but 100% record in the men’s fencing this what now resembled a toothpick, Leeds Nevertheless, they stepped up to the Stuart’s experience stood him in good season. generously lent him a spare sabre, but plate, with Coleman producing the stead and turned around the outcome in They faced off against Manchester at the cost of a yellow card. Another performance of the round, scoring ten spectacular fashion. 2s, and made sure that they got off to yellow card would have meant that a hits to one against one of his opponents. It finished 131-111 and Stuart the strongest start by electing to start point would be awarded to Leeds. Leeds looked set to pull off a mentioned that after losing out on off with the sabre event, which they feel Fortunately for Manchester, this memorable victory with the weapon, promotion to Durham last season, Uni to be their strongest discipline. Their never transpired. Towards the back of until Manchester snatched victory from are favourites to finish top of the league superiority over Manchester was clear to the end of the round, Leeds stretched the jaws of defeat to keep their faint this time around. After Wednesday’s see as Alex Coleman, James Foreshaw their lead further, with venomous play hopes of snatching victory. performance and the trouncing of the and Jordan Au helped Leeds to a 15-4 from all three men resulting in a 45-25 The épéeists had to wait a long time UCLAN the previous week, they can lead after the first round of bouts, win after one weapon. for their chance to shine, but grabbed rightly be confident of making it three through a combination of lightning-fast It was now the turn of the foilists to it with both hands. Josh Stuart kept wins on the bounce when they visit footwork and clinical shots. take up the mantle and after a quick fix Leeds in the driving seat, with Harry Bangor in two weeks’ time.