The University of Exeter has expelled a number of students over allegations of racism.
It comes after the university launched an investigation into messages shared on a Whatsapp group used by members of the university's Bracton Law Society.
The messages appeared to encourage slavery and gang rape.
Images appearing to show the thread revealed a claim that boat races should be "whites v blacks" and vile messages about London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
One text read: "Being chased by a n***** is every man's worst nightmare".
A spokesman for the University of Exeter said: “Following reports of allegations involving a small group of students, the University launched a major investigation, in conjunction with the Students’ Guild.
"This investigation has now concluded and the outcomes have included expulsions, suspensions and other significant sanctions. These outcomes are subject to appeal."
The university did not say how many students had been expelled and said the outcomes are subject to appeal.
They also confirmed that the university had established a Provost Commission which has a "broad remit to recommend and implement new approaches, initiatives, programmes and policies" and will seek to eradicate racism and all forms of harassment and discrimination from the university.
The thread was exposed online in March by Arsalan Motavali a member of the society.
Yesterday Mr Motavali shared an email sent to students from Sir Steve Smith, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter informing students of the update.
It said: "Behaviour of the kind exhibited by some members of the Bracton Law Society will not be tolerated by the University.
Before adding: "For those students who have not been expelled, these are very severe consequences which have not been reached lightly, but there is no place at our University for any type of racist, bigoted, abusive or harassing behaviour and we will take action wherever we find it."
Mr Motavali posted the images of the messages on Facebook in the hope of bringing attention to the group chat.
He wrote: “It was a normal group chat. Over time I was removed as an admin and multiple other students were added. At this point is where the content became increasingly racist and deplorable.
"I refuse to stand by and let such people who speak in these terms go on to recruit at future law firms or be a part of University culture, whilst cowering behind their phones and talking like this about people that are part of the society they represent."
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