This Sunday, the Union of Jewish Students (UJS) Conference will vote on a motion which calls for the organisation to cut ties with the National Union of Students (NUS) over the behaviour of NUS President, Malia Bouattia. Here, Goldsmiths student Binyomin Gilbert, one of the main proponents of the motion, highlights his concerns with Bouattia […]
Continue readingTag Archives: marginalised
NUS leadership accused of ‘antisemitic rhetoric’ by student leaders
The long-running controversy over past comments made by National Union of Students (NUS) President, Malia Bouattia, continued today with the release of an open letter signed by three NUS vice presidents and dozens of other student leaders. While Bouattia was not named in the letter, the signatories wrote that:“NUS’ Leadership has rightly come under increased […]
Continue readingNUS delegate’s rant shows wider problem in student movement
Daniel Yahia, a student at the University of Edinburgh elected as a National Union of Students (NUS) delegate, has been accused of using antisemitic language on his Facebook page When discussing Nir Bitton, an Israeli footballer who plays for Celtic, Mr Yahia wrote: “Sick of seeing Celtic fans creaming themselves over Nir Bitton. We are […]
Continue readingBaroness Royall’s report into antisemitism released
Baroness Jan Royall’s report, which was leaked today, claims individual members of the Oxford University Labour Club (OULC) “did engage in anti-Semitic acts”. However, Baroness Royall also wrote that she does not, “believe that there is institutional antisemitism within OULC”, rather, “difficulties”, which face the OULC. Allegations of antisemitism in the OULC came to light […]
Continue readingPrayer room vandalised at Keele University
Local media reports last week suggest several buildings on the Keele University campus were vandalised in July, including the Keele University Islamic Centre. Muslim students discovered the wreckage when they arrived for morning prayers on 22 July, forcing them to move Friday afternoon prayers outside. With vandals also attacking a neighbouring office, the damage to […]
Continue readingAnti-Muslim graffiti reported at University of Leicester
Following reports of an increased number of racist incidents across the UK in the wake of last week’s referendum result, students at the University of Leicester have reported disgraceful anti-Muslim graffiti. The Atheist, Humanist, and Secular (ASH) Society at the university posted a picture of a banner promoting an Eid festival which had been painted […]
Continue readingRight2Debate motion passed at Exeter
Yesterday, the University of Exeter’s Student Union (SU) adopted ‘Right2Debate’, a policy designed to protect free speech while ensuring extreme and intolerant views are challenged. Rather than banning speakers, the policy will require event organisers to balance platforms when speakers who violate the SU’s safe space policies, are invited onto campus. It also requires these […]
Continue readingStudents say university handling of racist incident “incompetent”
Update 15/04/2016: The University has since disputed claims that Ifaturoti’s complaints weren’t treated with urgency. Peter Dunn, Director of press and policy at Warwick, has said “as soon as Warwick Accommodation were alerted to the matter, they too immediately sought out both the student and the Deputy Warden.” The University has also stated that alternative […]
Continue readingAntisemitic graffiti reported at Goldsmiths College
Student Rights has long argued that antisemitism at UK universities remains a serious problem, and our latest briefing, ‘Antisemitism on Campus’, highlighted the various manifestations this form of racism can take, from incidents at on-campus events to activity on student society social media. Today, the Jewish Chronicle has reported “recurring incidents” of antisemitic graffiti at […]
Continue readingMoazzam Begg challenged at the University of Exeter
Here at Student Rights, we have often highlighted the need to ensure extremists face challenge on-campus, and encourage students to debate speakers with extreme and intolerant views. Unfortunately, this doesn’t happen enough. Unbalanced platforms and hostile environments which suppress views different to the panellists often result in students’ voices being marginalised. On Tuesday, students at […]
Continue reading