Preston’s university is taking action against racist or explicit posts on social media more than any other UK university bar one.

A Freedom of Information request by The Guardian showed UCLan had taken 22 disciplinary actions against students for racist, sexually explicit or homophobic comments on social media.

Only The University of Bedfordshire had the same amount.

Figures were released showing action taken in the past three years.

A spokesperson for UCLan said: “The University of Central Lancashire promotes lawful, open debate, the discussion of varying views and academic freedom and has in place robust procedures to ensure this can take place.

“While not specifically monitoring individual student social media accounts, any potential issues or concerns linked to adverse comments are picked up, taken seriously and acted upon appropriately. In the last five years we have taken action in only 22 cases.”

The figures come in the wake of UCLan being criticised by the UK Independence Party after 19-year-old Sebastian Walsh was suspended by the university.

Walsh had made comments about halal meat while studying social work at the university.

He was ordered to attend a diversity course or risk expulsion.

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