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Racists ostracised me at medical school, says student - now they are NHS doctors
Tim Stewart19 Feb 2009
A BLACK medical student who claims she was bullied by racists on her course is suing her college for more than £300,000.
Virginia Jibowu, 25, from South Lambeth, says that she was ostracised by white students in an "institutionally racist" environment at London's King's College medical school.
She says that while the students she has accused of racism graduated, the college refused to investigate many of her complaints, deliberately failed her and tried to stop her re-sitting the course.
Ms Jibowu, who is of Nigerian origin, says that fellow students refused to shop, eat or share a shower-room with her in their accommodation.
She alleges that one woman student suggested introducing a killer disease into Africa to wipe out all blacks.
Ms Jibowu is suing the college, which is part of the University of London, at Central London County Court for harassment, race discrimination and victimisation.
In legal papers submitted to the court, she said: "All of the alleged racists are now practising as doctors in the NHS. This can only ingrain the problem of institutional racism within the medical practice."
Ms Jibowu is demanding more than £300,000 for loss of earnings, aggravated damages and injury to health and feelings.
But if she fails to finally qualify from the course, she is expected to sue at the High Court for further compensation for the loss of her career, which could run into hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Ms Jibowu enrolled on the college's six-year extended medical degree course for students from disadvantaged backgrounds in September 2002.
She says that students on that course had to wear a special badge, which led to them being bullied by those on the regular five-year degree programme.
Ms Jibowu shared digs with five other students.
In the legal papers, she claims that one of the students asked her if black men were less intelligent than other people.
He also asked if black people were more prone to becoming fat. She claims that he also said that he had stopped contacting a mutual friend because he had become "too black".Ms Jibowu says that three other white student flatmates were also "hostile" to her during her hospital placement in Hastings in 2006.
She says: "The group refused to share the shower-room with me and discussed rotas for the only other shower."
She goes on to say that one stated: "We should introduce a virus into Africa to wipe out the continent and kill off all the black Africans so that we can move in."
Another allegedly said that immigrants were "spoiling the UK" and said of the hospital in Hastings: "The nurses are great here - might have some fun. It's not like in King's cos they're all Afro-Caribbean."
On a flight to a placement in St Lucia in 2007, another student allegedly booked a seat for Ms Jibowu away from the rest of their group.
The college and former students accused of racism strenuously deny all of Ms Jibowu's allegations.
The college is vigorously defending her court claim but a spokeswoman said: "We are unable to comment while legal proceedings are ongoing."
The case is due to be heard later this year.
Reader views (58)
I notice there's no quotes from any of the 5 accused students. Why is this?
- Bobbly, London, 28/09/2009 22:06
The story says that they've denied her allegations. Given that this is a legal case, it wouldn't be wise for any of them to pass comment without legal advice to do so, and I suspect the legal advice has been to say nothing whatsoever until the matter goes to court.
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I've refused to use crockery and cutlery used by colleagues at work, some of whom are British and some who aren't. That's not because of any racist beliefs against them, but simply because they didn't wash them properly, so I brought my own to work which I washed myself and locked away. Some of these other students may have disliked her as a person for reasons other than race, resulting in them keeping their distance. Her allegations should still be investigated though, as some of the allegations are racist, ignorant and unacceptable. If the allegations are proven or admitted, the university will have to look at its policies as regards such complaints in future. If she can't prove her case, she's pretty much marked her own card for future work, indeed further study.
- A. Bell, London, 01/08/2010 18:24
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I feel sorry for people who feel that they have the right to treat people like that and get away with it. It is clear to see who is untelligent in this case. Racism is a result of jealousy and hatred and evidently backwardness. You must be very slow to have an attitude like that. She proberbly failed due to the stress she endured haveing to deal with ignorant and arogant people like those who she studied with or rather was ostracised from. I hope that ethnic minorities do thoroughly take over the UK as i would be interested to see how people like this would act. God help you all. I ask my self would you have that attitude if you were the minority.
- Anonymous, Manchester, England M16, 28/09/2009 23:06
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I work in an office where almost 50% of the workforce consists of black women. I am a white woman. It is quite a social environment but very cliquey in that I notice groups of my black colleagues going to lunch and out together after work, etc., together. They have never invited me along or, to my knowledge, any of my white colleagues. Yet we usually include those of them that we are friendly with. Should I regard this as racism?
- Raddled Of Radlett, St Albans, Hertfordshire, England, 28/09/2009 22:06
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KCL students were recently investigated by the college following complaints of racism on a separate matter. There have been numerous complaints to management and this should take this more seriously.
- Soa, London, 28/09/2009 22:06
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Ont he surface is does not add up. When I go hospital the vast majority of staff are non-white, so if one of our leading teaching hospitals is "institutionally racist" how can this be??
I suspect the lure of £300,000 (much more than paid to a soldier who loses his limbs in Afganistan) had more to do with it. Also who apys for her legal costs? and those of the Hospital if she loses??
- Jeremy E, London, 28/09/2009 22:06
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"the college refused to investigate many of her complaints, deliberately failed her and tried to stop her re-sitting the course"
She would only have failed the course if she was not capable of the work. She presumably was not capable and therefore should not be allowed to re-sit the course.
This, and other cases like it, make a mockery of our justice system.
- Bb, S.E London, 28/09/2009 22:06
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what is amazing is not the gnorant racists treatment towards the black doctor, but the college doing nothing against racism and supporting the racists to keep on doing their evil doings without punishment. racism is jelousy and insecurity.
- Yonnas, london, 28/09/2009 22:06
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If it is proved this is true then the perpetrators are just dumb blind ignorant bigots.
On the other hand, knowing the modern society we live in I just cannot believe that in this day&age white people, especially educated medical students would dare to be openly racist especially to a black woman.
Come on we all know what can happen to people who openly espouse such views, I really suspect this is simply not true.
- Russell, London, 28/09/2009 22:06
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"Here we go again" Outstanding. When people say things like this it like they've deliberately taken a short cut to thinking - Coincidently enough practicing the same generic categorisation that leads to these problems. Unfortunately racism does exist and I'm glad someone has the courage needed to make sure these issues are properly investigated. Anyone linked to this is about to be shown for what they really are.
- Roger Bentley, Chelsea, 28/09/2009 22:06
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This does not add up to me. The medical profession has a highly diverse mix of different races and religions. She would be better working her way to the top of her profession rather than becoming a sad figure like some senior officers in the Met!
- Michael, London, 28/09/2009 22:06
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What is Jibowu doing in UK in the first place?Surely after the English have paid for her education she would want to return home and care and cure her own people? But why do that when u can further milk the country that gave u everything ?
- Mark Armstrong, london. uk, 28/09/2009 22:06
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This can only be true if there are no successful non-white or foreign students from this college. Are there? Sounds like she just failed and this is made up to try and screw some money out of the public sector another way. I hope she is not getting legal aid for this claim.
- Tom Moncrieff, london W6, 28/09/2009 22:06
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Racism is ignorance and it is shocking that supposedly intelligent students can think this way. I'm white but would hate to be treated by a doctor with such limited intelligence. I hope this young lady wins her case and helps other people in the same position.
- Michele Aspinall Baker, London UK, 28/09/2009 22:06
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I'm with Bob of Cheam on this one - chip, shoulder, end of.
- Ethan, UK, 28/09/2009 22:06
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Maybe this lady wasn't nice to be with and others would not have wanted to associate with her whatever her colour.
What evidence is there that nasty things were said to her by students on the course.
Even if part of what she says is true if she was made of the right stuff it should have made her more determined to succeed.
- M Wilkinson, London UK, 28/09/2009 22:06
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Well if the college failed to properly investigate bullying and allegatations of racist behaviour of course it is responsible!
- Black Uk, London, 28/09/2009 22:06
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This sounds like codswallop to me but no doubt some 'no win, no fee' lawyer has drafted and presented the claim. Perhaps this is already in the law but, if not, there should be a new race relations offence of false accusation. It would be for a tribunal and or court and judge to decide, but where a complainant alleges racial discrimination or accuses an individual or institution of racism, and none is proved beyond all reasonable doubt, the complainant and their representatives should face censure.
- Kevin, london UK, 28/09/2009 22:06
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Get a grip girl! concentrate on your studies instead of pointing the finger at people for not wanting to share a shower with you. You failed, thats why you didnt qualify. 300k where did you get that figure from, i hope maths isnt part of the exams you seem to have difficulty with that as well!
- Tim, london, 28/09/2009 22:06
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She failed her course, I think that's all we need to know about the merits of her "case".
- Sarah N., London, UK, 28/09/2009 22:06
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It is my experience that when someone makes extraordinary claims that don't appear to be supported by anyone else, that the complainant is guilty of the thing that they claim others are doing.
- Nora, London, UK, 28/09/2009 22:06
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This is what happens when universities use positive discrimination to choose candidates rather than brains. She isn't up to the course and blames everybody but herself for her failure. And the university IS to blame for selecting her for the colour of her skin and overlooking her lack of intellectual ability.
- Alan Batey, Radlett, Herts, 28/09/2009 22:06
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Sarah, wonder why she 'failed' her course. Have you ever been bullied and made to feel like an alien. If you have tell me how you an succeed at waking up every morning and typing this rubbish. I am white and i hate racists!
She will win this case.
- Linda, London, UK, 28/09/2009 22:06
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I simply don't believe her. This claim is outrageously incredibly.
- Greg Pearson, Bedford, 28/09/2009 22:06
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Here we go again..................
- P Staker, London, 28/09/2009 22:06
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I went to KCL in 2001 and did a BSc. I never saw any racism there. I don't think this sort of thing happens at KCL in general.
I bet if we were to look at the marks she got for exams, it might shed some light....
- Steve, london, 28/09/2009 22:06
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It’s so depressing to see how many of the people commenting hold racist views. I’m sure that this whole experience is very traumatic for this young woman – the attacks that she’s getting from the people on this site are totally unwarranted and sadly indicative of what she will have to face in the coming months. She’s very brave, many of you are vile cowards.
- Terry, London, 28/09/2009 22:06
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Here we go again.
- Roger, Surrey, 28/09/2009 22:06
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This young lady's submission to court claims "All of the alleged racists are now practising as doctors in the NHS. This can only ingrain the problem of institutional racism within the medical practice (sic)." (She clearly means medical PROFESSION.) How cunningly put! WHAT INSTITUTIONAL RACISM WITHIN THE MEDICAL PROFESSION? First anyone has heard of this handy smear. Last time I looked the NHS was awash with doctors of all complexions, occasionally actually white. And note how every bit of nonsense talked by students - it's part of being a student - was carefully noted and recorded for later use. COuld that be just in case she failed her exams, as she did. And to threaten legal action if the examiners don't pass her, what a wheeze. Other students please copy.
- Rc, New York, 28/09/2009 22:06
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I am surprised my the comment of some of the small minded people who have left comment on this page. None of us were in this young lady's position so should not cast a opninion until both sides of the story has been told.
- Lisa, London, 28/09/2009 22:06
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i can only symphasize with this poor girl and wish her much sucess
- Tony, connecticut usa, 28/09/2009 22:06
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Assuming, Michele Aspinall Baker of London, that the claimant is actually found to be telling the truth??!
- Helen, London, UK, 28/09/2009 22:06
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I realise that some people do not want to hear or read this type of news but i am glad when every one speaks up. no matter who finds it boring. I am sure if anyone feels that an injustice is done to them they would not be silent, but balance is also essential.
- Monica, haringey, 28/09/2009 22:06
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It is the college’s duty to insure that students of all nationalities and ethnic backgrounds are free to study without being bullied and racially abused. I think that some of the comments here have been disgraceful – ask yourselves why you automatically don’t believe this poor young woman’s story?
- Rob, Cardiff, 28/09/2009 22:06
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I cannot belive that in this day and age in the multicultured society we will live in such behaviour is tolerated bullying is a form of abuse that should not be taken lightly and the fact that this incident was reported and nothing was done shows how ignorant people can be.
- Dionne Mullins, london, 28/09/2009 22:06
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But with a load of money she will forgive and forget
- John Smith, London , England, 28/09/2009 22:06
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The list of grievances is very long and makes me uncomfortable. I have no doubt that there are still racists amongst some young people but my experience indicates that they are, thankfully, a rather small minority. Why so many of them should be on the same course as Ms Jibowu at the time seems difficult to envisage.
- Daniel, London, 28/09/2009 22:06
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Quite pathetic really ! She failed her exams and now wants compensation ?? Mind you anything is possible in this country.
- Jim, Southampton, 28/09/2009 22:06
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If only we could see the evidence. Perhaps the Standard can ask Ms Jibowu to indicate whether she has proof that she was not fairly examined. King's College has a policy of unanimity in final exams. Was this followed- apparently not! I understand that the College has not denied giving her a 'sleeping examiner' for her OSCE physical examination. Is that a fair process? Shame on King's College management. If King's do not want to qualify black doctors they should not bring in black students to use them to raise revenue.
- Ola, London, 28/09/2009 22:06
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It is amazing to see the racial hatred that still exists in the UK. Do these commentators know that they are racist bigots? It certainly makes Virginia's experiences more feasible. The question I must ask is why people are so full of hatred. Would there be this same vengeful hatred for a blond haired white girl?
- Sao, London, 28/09/2009 22:06
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I attended this same college and was one of only 3 black students on the course. Unfortunately, racism was in its peak, so I went for the option where I kept my head down to pass my course accordingly. It is very possible that this young lady did suffer at the hands of other students on her course. If so, there will be many a question for the college to answer....
- Lydia Bains, Washington, USA, 28/09/2009 22:06
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Perhaps she failed the course because she was not...er...Good enough?
- Mark H, London England, 28/09/2009 22:06
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I notice there's no quotes from any of the 5 accused students. Why is this?
- Bobbly, London, 28/09/2009 22:06
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It's amazing to see how many of you are quick to dismiss Virginia's claims. Just because someone is educated, does not mean they cannot be racist, even though we do live in the modern world. I can understand that the other students may have had close friendships, as they may share common grounds, but that doesn't excuse such behaviour of excluding someone, or making them feel unwelcome. In our day-to-day working lives, we encounter people from all sorts of backgrounds. Not everyone is gonna be your cup of tea, but you should at least maintain a good working relationship with them. A common reason for bullying (and yes, that is what is) is beacuse someone/something is different to the "norm". I suppose some of you non-believers also think that bullying stopped in the playground back in primary school too! They have picked up on the fact that she has come from a disadvantaged background, and probably feel that she is not worthy to be on the course.
Yes, you may have guessed I am black, and I am British. It is so easy for the white man to dismiss a claim of racism, and that is beacuse you have never experienced it, and will never know what it feels like for someone to hate you for no reason but the colour of your skin.
I'm not saying that Virginia's story is gospel, but people need to read between the lines. I'm sure there is some genuineness to her claim than just a disgruntled student.
- Michelle Haughton, London, 28/09/2009 22:06
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I definitely do believe her. It's endemic in this society.
- Kaz, London, 28/09/2009 22:06
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Bob, it will be most advisable to seek the facts before making assumptions. I assume you have never been on the receiving end of racial ignorance hence the offhand approach to the matter. I assume you will have a different perspective were you to be on the receiving end. Unfortunately these situations are experienced in all spheres of the community especially within highly professional institutions.
We need to stamp out such ignorant behaviour out of our society. I have heard of numerous complaints by non white students from the institution in question. Whilst I hate to refer to racism as the primary reason, however questions need to be asked. We need to get to the bottom of this, if it’s only to find out the truth, so it is stamped out.
- Adrian, London, 28/09/2009 22:06
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King's medical school is one of the most racially diverse in the country in a truly multicultural world city. In my experience it is the most racially aware and tolerant university I have attended. If she doesn't have hard evidence to back her claims then she is playing a very dangerous game, because sure enough the university will have detailed academic records for her, and will use them.
- Al, London, UK, 28/09/2009 22:06
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It is now the case that any student daring to be rude to a student from an ethnic minority, is likely to loose his or her place on their course on the accusation of racism. College authorities are in a state of paranoia, fearing criticism that their anti racist anti bullying procedures will be found wanting. But put £300,000 on the table and there will be a lot of takers.
- Frank, Dorchester Dorset, 28/09/2009 22:06
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I think racism against black students is actually quite rare mainly because it is so obvious who the victim is and, as you have pointed out the penalties for the individuals and employers are severe. Employment tribunals too are more likely to look as discrimination based on colour or sex. Anti-semitism is is far more common and under-reported.
- Mike, Denham, 28/09/2009 22:06
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Absolutely incredible in this day and age but not impossible. Barrack Obama is being portrayed as a monkey in cartons and the media think this is acceptable to sells papers!!! May truth and justice prevail!
- Ola, London, 28/09/2009 22:06
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Oh dear, she gets kicked out the course and she complains? She didn't attend 75% of her clinical placements, why would any medical school graduate such a lazy doctor? I'm an ethnic student who has now graduated from KCL and I found it one of the most culturally diverse places, especially in London. If she wins her money, it just will show society rewards those who can't be bothered to work, and in it for quick fixes.
- Steven S, London, 28/09/2009 22:06
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I doubt many readers are aware of the circumstances leading up to this lawsuit. This student was given the opportunity to resit her 5th year and was subsequently kicked out because of her poor attendance. Her excuse? A porter who 'maliciously' ran into her with a wheelchair on her first day resulting in her having suffering a haematoma and traumatic chondromalacia... terrifying until you realize it is simply a bruise, swelling and sprained ligaments. Such a crippling injury which justifies her taking more than 2 weeks off uni.
My question to all readers: Would you be confident in being treated by a 'doctor' like Miss Jibowu who has hardly attended any of her classes?
I have many friends at Kings, all of whom are black, who have successfully graduated as doctors and working for the NHS. Miss Jibowu clearly prefers to play the race card at the earliest opportunity instead of taking a good look at herself in the mirror.
- Kian, London, 28/09/2009 22:06
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So a student allegedly expressing a desire for the genocide of the African people has been graduated from King's College London? And she is now working as a doctor in London? And another student who apparently believes that black people are intellectually inferior has also been graduated. If this is true it is frightening to the extreme.
- Soa London, Nigeria, 28/09/2009 22:06
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For those who feel that her claims are true, why should they be true, why should anyone believe her when it's clear that she is just a failed student. There are many that are from all kinds of ethnic background that are on the course and do extremely well and succeed very well as doctors and go on to be specialist.
It's people like this that hold back any progression towards ridding the world of racism. If you cannot rise above it then it will always be here.
Until people learn to rise above these issues and make the racists look like idiots and complete morons that have no meaning in life then your just fuelling the fire.
As with any bully, just walk away and let them broil in their pitful lives. At least you can say well your still there but I'm doing pretty well for myself.
- Anonymous Speaker, London, 28/09/2009 22:06
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If true her fellow students were not a pleasant bunch but most of us if we don't like the people we live with, or associate with, move on and find more pleasant sorts. That is what she should have done. You can not hold a college responsible for the personalities of its students.
- Stephen, London, 28/09/2009 22:06
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I find it highly unlikely that an entire course shunned her because of her skin colour, is it not more likely that she's an objectionable individual?
- Bob, Cheam, 28/09/2009 22:06
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KCL has a very multicultural student body: so are there other students who have experienced this treatment?
- Jen, London, 28/09/2009 22:06
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Maybe 30 or 50 years ago, but the overwhelming majority of young professionals/ students today just don't have these sorts of opinions/ attiitudes. I am also very skeptical of this claim.
- Alan, London, 28/09/2009 22:06
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How can people take this rubbish seriously?
- Serox, London, 28/09/2009 22:06
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