Support for Scottish Students at Edinburgh University: Combating Classism
From students being mocked for their accents to being alienated for their background, the University of Edinburgh is facing a wave of classism that is pushing Scottish students to the sidelines. Shanley Breese, a law student at the university, has firsthand experience with this discrimination, leading her to take action to create a support group for students like herself.
Discrimination on Campus
Breese recalls feeling isolated when she heard derogatory remarks about her accent and witnessed classmates belittling others based on their clothing choices and socioeconomic status. The lack of representation of Scottish students at the university only added to her sense of being an outsider in her own campus community.
Formation of Scottish Social Mobility Society
In response to these challenges, Breese founded the Scottish Social Mobility Society to provide a safe space for Scottish students who often face micro-aggressions and exclusion on campus. The society’s aim is to create a supportive community for students from working-class backgrounds who feel marginalized in the university environment.
University’s Response and Challenges
While the University of Edinburgh has taken steps to address the issue by providing guidance on respectful behavior and inclusivity, members of the society feel that the measures are not comprehensive enough. The guidance, while well-intentioned, falls short of addressing the systemic nature of classism on campus, according to Breese and her peers.
Call for Better Support
Breese’s journey from feeling overlooked to founding a support group highlights the need for universities to not only recruit students from diverse backgrounds but also provide ongoing support to ensure their success. As Scottish students navigate the challenges of higher education, it is crucial for institutions to offer tailored guidance and resources to help them thrive in academic settings.
In conclusion, the story of Shanley Breese and the Scottish Social Mobility Society sheds light on the pervasive issue of classism in higher education and the importance of creating a supportive environment for all students, regardless of their background. As universities strive for diversity and inclusion, it is essential to listen to the voices of students like Breese who are leading the charge for change.