NUS: Government cuts students’ union links over anti-Semitism concerns

The government is cutting ties with the National Union of Students because of concerns about anti-Semitism.

Universities minister Michelle Donelan said it meant the NUS would not be eligible for government funding.

She said she was horrified some Jewish students might feel ostracised by a group that should be a voice for all.

Last month the union announced it was allowing an independent investigation to take place, following a number of complaints by Jewish students.

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said he was “seriously concerned” at the number of reports of alleged anti-Semitism linked to the NUS.

 

NUS: Government cuts students’ union links over anti-Semitism concerns

“Jewish students need to have confidence that this is a body that represents them. And we need to be sure that the student bodies that we engage with are speaking fairly for all students,” he said.

The government said it did not currently provide any funding to the NUS, and it was unclear how much funding it has provided up to now.

The government say the decision will keep under review. Students and staff “hit record levels” year, and have continued in 2022.Last month the union announced. It was allowing an independent investigation to take place, following a number of complaints by Jewish students.

 

 students’ links over anti-Semitism concerns

A spokesperson for the NUS, which says it represents seven million students. It was disappointe the universities minister had put the news in a press. release rather than speak to it directly.

The government’s decision comes as the Community Security Trust (CST). Acharity that protects British Jews from anti-Semitism and related threats. Reporte that the number of anti-Semitic incidents on campuses had returned to pre-pandemic levels. The charity’s director of policy, Dave Rich, said the number incidents reporte by Jewish. Students and staff “hit record levels” last year, and have continued in 2022.

There were 48 anti-Semitic campus incidents reporte to the CST in the 2019-20 academic year. And 32 the previous academic year.

The charity’s director of policy, Dave Rich, said the number incidents reporte by Jewish. Students and staff “hit record levels” last year, and have continued in 2022.

She said she was horrified some Jewish students might feel ostracised by a group that should be a voice for all.

Last month the union announced it was allowing an independent investigation to take place. Following a number of complaints by Jewish students.

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said he was “seriously concerned” at the number of reports of alleged anti-Semitism link to the NUS.

 

 

Leave a Comment