LAWYER Aamer Anwar has been elected the rector of Glasgow University after seeing off a challenge from controversial US right-wing journalist Milo Yiannopoulos.
Mr Anwar, who has acting in a number of high profile cases, is a former graduate at the university who led a high profile campaign against racism at the city’s Dental Hospital in the 1980s.
He takes over from fugitive US whistleblower Edward Snowden.
Mr Anwar ran a campaign based on holding surgery every fortnight, improving mental health provision, support for EU students and guaranteeing their right to stay and introducing rent control for the West End.
University of Glasgow handout photo of Aamer Anwar speaking at the rectorial election hustings at The Bute Hall
He said: “I have been inspired by the thousands of students to his historic election, Anwar that I have met in the last three weeks whilst touring lectures theatres, student unions, interrupting lunches and holding street meetings. I also want to thank all those student groups and societies that spoke out in support of my campaign.
“You can spend all the millions you want on bricks and mortar, but it is our students and staff who make Glasgow University the world class institution it is.
“I count my years at University from 1986 to 1994 as some of the best years of my life, but more importantly it changed the entire course of my life.
“Glasgow gave me more than just an education, it is where I made friendships that have lasted a lifetime, it broke down my religious and cultural barriers.
“I came to value the love of my family and I learned about politics not through books but through activism and solidarity.
He added: “It is where I suffered racial violence at the hands of the police and learned for the very first time what it means to be at the mercy of the criminal justice system, vulnerable and disbelieved.
“It is where I learned that justice and freedom is never handed to you on a plate by the establishment but that you always have to fight for it.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted in response to his victory:”Congratulations @AamerAnwar - new rector of @UofGlasgow”
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