Edinburgh University is tackling the sensitive issue of class discrimination on its campus by urging its students from privileged backgrounds to adopt more inclusive attitudes toward their peers. This appeal is particularly directed toward students who come from wealthier backgrounds and the 40% of its cohort who attended private schools, representing the bulk of the university's student body.
Recent feedback from students revealed incidents of discrimination and elitism, prompting the university to issue guidance aimed at shaming behaviors and promoting empathy and curiosity about others' experiences. The official warning points to examples of class-related prejudice, indicating how students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds face judgment and mockery from more affluent peers.
The guidance stems from complaints made by the newly-formed Scottish Social Mobility Society, which highlighted how both faculty and fellow students often mimic or deride those carrying Scottish accents or attending from less privileged backgrounds. According to the university's statement, "At the University of Edinburgh, students who come from middle to lower socioeconomic backgrounds are in a minority. Nevertheless, they are the majority throughout society as a whole." This highlights the disparity experienced within campus life.
Specific anecdotes include remarks about clothing, accents, and comments implying superiority among students who claim to have more financial resources due to their hard work. One student recounted how peers belittled her by saying, "You can’t be working class because you’re at university," showcasing the overt disconnect between social classes.
Another student expressed the stark realization of her working-class identity after moving to university, stating, "It was only going to uni [that] made us realize how working class we are. It’s so weird being isolated, surrounded by middle-class and privileged people." The sense of alienation extended beyond mere comments, affecting personal relationships and academic performance.
Olivia Gallosi, who studies at Edinburgh University, shared her experience of feeling judged for not coming from the prestigious private school system. She noted, "A lot of people turn their nose up at you if you didn't go to private school," emphasizing the discomfort many Scottish students feel when their backgrounds are called out. Fellow student Roni Sharp echoed these sentiments, recalling instances where her commitment to balancing work and study was met with derision from peers who felt working was inappropriate for university life.
Academic expectations can sometimes unintentionally compound these issues, as students report being asked to repeat themselves or modify their accents to sound more 'proper'. Shanley Breese, who founded the Scottish Social Mobility Society, described her own adjustment to university, stating she had never encountered private schools before attending Edinburgh. After experiencing isolation, she created the society to provide support and community for Scottish students facing similar challenges.
The university's Dignity and Respect policy is described as encompassing clear behavioral standards, including the need to acknowledge when remarks or actions are harmful or distressing to others. A spokesperson for the institution emphasized their commitment to diversity, stating, "We are incredibly proud of our diverse community… but we also recognize there is room for improvement."
The introduction of guidelines aims to create environments where wealth does not determine social standing and reminds students to be more considerate and respectful toward one another. This initiative is especially pertinent at Edinburgh, where students often remark about the perceived elitism and biases present within their peer groups.
Despite the university's efforts, some students still feel the need to self-censor or mask their experiences for fear of being ostracized. One student shared: "Now I just assume I’m going to be surrounded by people who are wealthier than me,” indicating the anxiety and pressure many feel about their background.
Edinburgh University's initiative to combat classism is both timely and necessary. By encouraging students to confront their biases and practice empathy, the institution hopes to cultivate a more welcoming environment for all of its students, regardless of their backgrounds.
