Nadhim Zahawi, the Education Minister, has expressed he is ‘deeply concerned’ about the NUS following a number of anti-Semitism allegations.
The ministers comments come after an investigation has been launched into the NUS following claims of anti-Semitism, which incoming president Shaima Dallali has deemed ‘the right thing to do’.
‘I know quite a few Jewish students feel alienated. This is the first step to start bridging the gap and reaching out to Jewish students and ensuring that Jewish students feel like they have a place in NUS, so I do welcome it,’ she said.
Allegations of anti-Semitism have also been made over Dallili, who will be taking over as president in July, for a tweet she allegedly posted 10 years ago.
‘Deeply concerned about the NUS’
According to The Times, when asked by the chairman of the education select committee whether he believed the NUS was ‘institutionally anti-Semitic’ Zahawi said: ‘I am deeply concerned about the NUS. It feels to me that there is systemic antisemitism.’
Zahawi explained that the department is ‘looking at everything’, when asked what action they might take. This includes evaluating the NUS’ charitable status.
‘No option is off the table, including our relationship with the NUS,’ he added.
The NUS describes itself as ‘proudly radical since 1922’ and celebrated its 100 year anniversary this February.
Universities Minister Michelle Donelan has also expressed her deep concern about antisemitism within the NUS, ‘including the remarks of the new president’.
Stating that ‘students deserve better’, Donelan announced that she is ‘actively considering a range of possible measures, including reporting the NUS to the Charity Commission and full suspension from all engagement with the government — to be replaced by alternative student voices — unless they take immediate steps to regain the confidence of Jewish students’.
‘No place for antisemitism’
Following the allegations, the NUS stated ‘there can be no place for antisemitism within the student movement’, and explained that they are ‘very concerned’ about the hurt being expressed.
The NUS also outlined their desire to ‘take any and all actions’ that are needed to rebuild trust with Jewish students, members, partners, and stakeholders’.
On April 4, the NUS released a statement, which included a message to Jewish students across the UK. The organisation stated they ‘unequivocally support and fight for Jewish students’ right to live and study free from the threat of antisemitism’, and have a ‘proud and longstanding relationship with the Union of Jewish Students’.
‘The past few weeks will have given Jewish students cause for concern about NUS and you may be wondering if this is a safe space for you at all. For that we are truly sorry and want to reaffirm that this is and will continue to be a safe space for you. But our actions must speak louder than our words so we will be reviewing what has happened over the past few weeks and making changes in the future,’ the statement continued.