University College Hull and the National Council for Civil Liberties

This guest post is written by one of Hull University Archives' student volunteers.

During my placement with the Hull History Centre, I discovered an interesting document within a file entitled “Colour Bar” (U DCL/16/14). This document is a N.U.S. report referred to the National Council for Civil Liberties in March 1950 regarding the mistreatment and prevention of a person of colour accessing work experience. Not only does this report connect to the University of Hull, but it is also indicative of the positive impact Hull can make upon an individual.

Extract from U DCL/16/14

Within the report, Mr Kishan Singh Bhogal travelled from Kenya to University College Hull to study medicine. During the University Easter break in 1950, Mr Bhogal applied to work at Driffield Hospital to gain experience. The offer of work experience also included accommodation and allowance. Upon his arrival, on the 22nd of March 1950, the Matron refused Mr Bhogal permission to stay at the Hospital accommodation. The hospital also denied Mr. Bhogal permission to reside in a nearby hotel. The Matron contacted the Hull Nursing Appointments Office; the officer there explained to Mr Bhogal that staff at Driffield Hospital “would be afraid to work with him” due to the colour of his skin. 

The Principal of the University, the Secretary of Hull N.U.S., and the University Senate Council President took up the civil liberties case of Mr Bhogal and contacted the Ministry of Labour. As a result of both University College Hull and the N.U.S. intervention, Mr Kishan Singh Bhogal received an apology from Driffield Hospital. This report is a significant document within the Liberty collection as it demonstrates Hull’s commitment to overcoming racial inequality, and discrimination. 

Phoebe Watkinson, University of Hull student and volunteer