WE know that universities are one of the great spurs to equality in society, but we also know that there are huge attainment gaps on our campuses. Young people from poorer backgrounds are less likely to win a place at university. Women are also less likely than men to reach senior positions on the staff.

Now new figures have revealed the extent of yet another attainment gap: the one based on race. According to the data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency, 76 per cent of white graduates covered by the data secured a first class or upper second class degree compared to 54 per cent of black students and 66 per cent of Asian students.

NUS Scotland believes that part of the explanation for the gap is that black and Asian students can find it difficult to engage with reading lists which are often dominated by white, Western academics. The organisation is also worried that the students may be suffering because of a lack of diversity among the staff they encounter during their studies.

NUS Scotland admits itself that the evidence for its case is anecdotal, but the potential divide exposed by the new figures is deeply troubling and should be further investigated. Ethnic minorities in Scotland are three times more likely than their white peers to attend university. Scotland’s universities owe it to them to ensure that they have an equal chance when they get there.