John Cass was an English slave trader, merchant, and politician who acquired a significant part of his wealth through the trade and exploitation of slaves.

At the University of East London, the Cass School of Education and Communities is named in his honour. It is disgraceful that a slave trader continues to be celebrated and commemorated in this way. The University of East London benefits from being one of the most diverse in the country and it is unacceptable that students are expected to study in buildings bearing his name.

We ask that the University drops his name from the school with immediate effect and ensures it is more appropriately renamed.