Coventry University club suspended over swastika t-shirts that said 'the Jews deserved it'

A university sports society has been suspended after hosting a party at which members wore t-shirts marked with swastikas and the words “The Jews Deserved it.”

The Coventry University society came under fire after pictures of members wearing clothing daubed in antisemitic slogans circulated online.

A university spokesperson said it was “deeply concerned” about the event and had launched an investigation.

They added the university would take disciplinary action against any student involved.

Tochukwu Ajare, president of Coventry University Student Union, said: “We understand these pictures were taken during a social event at a CUSU affiliated sports club.

“We have immediately suspended the club while we look into the matter. We do not tolerate antisemitism or any form of hate crime.

“We will fully support the university in any disciplinary action it may take.”

The Union of Jewish Students (UJS) said it was “dismayed” to see “another incident of antisemitic language written on t-shirts at a student party.

“This year academic year we have already seen antisemitic incidents at ‘white-T-shirt parties’ in Plymouth, Lancaster and Newcastle, all revolving around the Holocaust.

“There can be no excuse for the deliberate trivialisation of the greatest trauma in recent Jewish history.”

A spokesperson for the Community Security Trust said it was “deeply troubling” students would think it suitable to wear such items, “irrespective of the context in which they did it".

The spokesperson added: “We hope and expect that Coventry University investigate fully and take whatever action is necessary to ensure this does not happen again.”