Cardiff University Unfollows Student 'Banter' Account Over Sexist and Misogynistic Content

Cardiff University has unfollowed a popular student social media account, known as Cardiff Uni Banter, following widespread criticism over its publication of misogynistic posts and content that allegedly normalizes rape culture.

The Instagram account, which has over 14,000 followers and describes itself as a platform for "the best confessions, memes and banter in Cardiff," publishes anonymous submissions from students on topics including university life, relationships, sex, and nightlife.

Concerns were amplified by Megan Elmer, who contacted the BBC and stated that the account "contributes to the perpetuation of rape culture by normalising misogynistic attitudes and discussions of sexual violence." While Elmer acknowledged that the truth of individual anonymous allegations was unknown, she emphasized that the posts raised questions about the prevailing culture surrounding sexual violence within the university community.

Elmer also expressed concern that Cardiff University's official Instagram account had previously followed Cardiff Uni Banter, questioning the university's awareness and stance on the account's content. "Imagine being a woman who has been raped or sexually assaulted at university, maybe even one of those girls whose sexual violence has made the account. How would you feel if your own university followed that account," she stated.

Jennifer Taylor, National Union of Students Cymru president, described the comments as "dangerous, harmful and are reinforcing a toxic culture on our campuses that must be tackled head on."

Some students have called for a boycott of the page, citing posts that allegedly describe women using derogatory terms like "sluzzers" and "tarts." Rebecca Rumsey, a Cardiff University student and co-founder of the sexual misconduct campaign group Time To Act, reported that students had repeatedly sent screenshots of such posts to her group. "We got sent the posts hundreds of times by students," Rumsey said. "We tried to reach out to the page — they still haven't responded."

Time To Act urged students to unfollow the account, cease submitting confessions, and report content deemed to promote sexual violence or misogyny. Rumsey noted that the backlash had led to the account losing approximately 2,000 followers. "There's a lot of misogynistic and rape culture posts on that page, and it's not good enough. It's not banter," she added.

Cardiff University acknowledged awareness of the account and the "concerning nature of the posts," while asserting that the account is "not affiliated or associated with Cardiff University, nor are we aware who is responsible for it." A university spokesperson stated, "This is not just banter. As a university we're committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where everyone has the right to feel safe and treated with dignity and respect."

The university confirmed it had received complaints and had reported posts and the account itself to relevant platforms, committing to continue doing so. "We followed the account so we could actively monitor and report such posts. We unfollowed the account in response to the concerns expressed by our Students' Union and from staff, students and members of the public," a spokesperson explained.