Mr McConnell said students could have a major influence on bigotry

The National Union of Students hopes to reach up to 500,000 people with its year-long Stamp Out Sectarianism drive.

First Minister Jack McConnell joined the students for the launch at Strathclyde University on Monday.

He said that by raising awareness among students, there was more chance of removing sectarianism from Scotland forever.

Students' leaders from across the country also attended the launch.

It is up to us to take a lead by challenging sectarianism and refusing to participate in sectarian behaviour Melanie Ward NUS Scotland

NUS Scotland president Melanie Ward said the campaign had two main aims - to challenge bigotry affecting students and to stand up to sectarian behaviour in wider society.

She said: "My first experience of sectarianism was on the school bus, where children sitting around me sang bigoted sectarian songs - at the time I found it confusing and frightening and I find it no different today.

"Sectarianism affects Scottish students in many ways, but particularly in our social lives.

"Many student associations are forced to ban the wearing of football tops and the playing of certain songs for fear they will stir up sectarian violence.

The students hope to stamp out bigotry in Scotland

"There is simply no excuse, and so it is up to us, as the student movement, to take a lead by challenging sectarianism and refusing to participate in sectarian behaviour."

Stamp Out Sectarianism posters, beer mats, badges and postcards will be distributed across college and university campuses to publicise the campaign, raise awareness and prompt students to sign an online pledge to challenge bigoted behaviour.

With �10,000 from the executive, NUS Scotland will also use a range of publicity materials, training events and workshops to encourage action on the issue.

The union hopes the drive will reach almost 10% of Scotland's population, through its membership of almost 500,000 students.

Mr McConnell said students were well placed to make a special contribution in the fight against an "unacceptable part of Scottish life".

'Major influence'

"Communities up and down the country have had enough of it and it is time to stamp it out," he said.

"I am delighted to support Scotland's students in their national effort to stamp out sectarianism.

"Sectarianism does affect students in many ways but it is also important to look at the valuable contribution students can make to tackle this problem in the future.

"Students move on from colleges and universities into almost every walk of life. Whether it be business, education, government, culture or elsewhere, they are going to have a major influence on Scotland's future."