Why did a student leader feel she had to resign over a tweet?

Analysis: A movement to boost diversity on university campuses risks losing momentum with off-hand comments, says Eleanor Busby

Remarks about the mural caused offence (University of Southampton)

Tens of thousands of people who called for a student leader to resign over threats to paint over a university mural dedicated to First World War heroes have finally got what they wanted.

Emily Dawes, who served as president of Southampton University’s students union, has now stepped down after tweeting that she would remove, or paint over, the “mural of white men”.

Unsurprisingly, the tweet last month sparked a widespread backlash in certain circles. But nearly four weeks later, the criticism of the student leader remains strong. The petition calling for Ms Dawes to quit, signed by more than 21,000 people, is still attracting fresh signatures despite her resignation and numerous apologies for the remarks.