Several attendees have come forward to The Student with claims that the Diagnostic Society is “sexist,” anti semitic, and “elitist” at their fortnightly Thursday debates.
The Student can also confirm that the society was banned from an Edinburgh venue for “drunken behaviour, overcrowding the venue, and suspected use of cocaine.”
The venue confirmed to The Student that the society was “politely asked not to return” due to “drunken behaviour, overcrowding the venue, and suspected use of Class A drugs.”
Founded in 1787, the society describes itself as “Edinburgh’s oldest society” and meets fortnightly in black tie at the Scottish Arts Club to discuss a debate motion.
Historically, motions have included: “You can check out of this society any time you like, but you can never leave” or “This Society believes that Sex is a Spectator Sport.”
Go back to the kitchen
Attendees remarked that the society “promotes a very sexist culture.”
One attendee, who has since graduated, told The Student that one member called a female speaker “a fucking bitch” and then said another was “dressed like a stripper.”
This speaker was asked to leave by the President at the time, to which he responded “do you know who my father is? I can make your life hell.”
He was permanently banned from the society.
Another attendee said she was told that “women in the society aren’t funny,” also stating that female speakers “are heckled tenfold” compared to the men, including calls to “go back to the kitchen.”
Hitler was underappreciated
At one meeting, members of the audience proclaimed that “Hitler was underappreciated.”
One source told The Student that they had heard the society had banned an attendee permanently after calling someone “a semite.”
This source went on to state that another speaker called for “a genocide of the Balkans” in a speech to the whole society.
This member was banned, but allowed to re-enter the society after two sessions.
On return, this member heckled a speaker, who was “one of the only people of colour in regular attendance,” calling him “an Orientalist.”
In 2016 United States President Barack Obama banned the term “oriental” from being used in US federal law.
This person remains an active member of the society.
In 2018 The Tab revealed that one member was made to resign after telling a Black student to, “go back to Uganda you slave.”
The Student was informed that at one debate this semester, attendees called out “let’s kill all journalists,” which was followed by cheers from other members in the audience.
What are you, middle class?
A number of students have also called the society “elitist.”
One attendee told The Student that they were asked “what are you, middle class?” during a discussion about wine.
Another attendee likened the society “to the Bullingdon Club”, the all male dining club at the University of Oxford known for their vandalism of restaurants.
The Diagnostics Society of Edinburgh requires members to dress in white tie, black tie or national dress.
The laws of the society state that “the Cabinet maintains the right to impose fines for breaches of dress code.”
As stated within the constitution, the Cabinet includes the Master of the Sword, the Keeper of the Faith, the Stoker of the Flame, the Vintner – responsible for “procuring suitable wine” – and The Eye of Wisdom.
The meetings begin with a Latin prayer and a roll call, followed by a debate which includes a smoking break.
The Student approached both the Diagnostic Society of Edinburgh, Edinburgh University Student’s Association (EUSA) and the University of Edinburgh for comment.
In a statement to The Student, the Diagnostic Society of Edinburgh said:
“The Diagnostic Society is a public society open to all and we greatly value diversity of all forms. Our behavioural code is in strict adherence with EUSA regulations. If conduct by any attendee of our events is in contradiction with these regulations, action is taken swiftly; this includes a temporary or permanent ban from future events. We have a zero-tolerance policy on racism, sexism, homophobia, anti-semitism and all forms of discrimination, which we take extremely seriously. We do not have the capacity to provide comment on alleged incidents historically, but we wish to reaffirm our strict mechanisms of dealing with any issues, which are in line with EUSA guidance.”
A statement from EUSA revealed:
“We have not received any communications directly from students, the public or the University regarding concerns with the activity of The Diagnostic Society of Edinburgh. We would always encourage any student with concerns or feedback on any society’s activity to contact us directly to enable us to investigate.
“All registered societies must have a constitution in place which outlines a responsibility to abide by relevant Students’ Association policies – including Equal Opportunities, and Safe Space. Where this is not upheld, we will investigate. In addition, all students in society leadership positions must undertake Association training including to ensure our student groups are led in a way which aligns to our organisation’s values.”
EUSA also confirmed:
“We are now in touch with The Diagnostic Society of Edinburgh – who are one of our (over 370) registered student societies – to discuss the allegations this article makes.”
The University of Edinburgh declined to comment.
“Gentleman fashion Cook’s Handbook London” by The British Library is marked with CC0 1.0.
“Vintage European style bob hat” by The British Library is marked with CC0 1.0.