Referendum Update

Thursday 07-11-2024 - 12:00

At their last meeting the Board of Trustees received the outcome of the recent student referendum triggered by our membership on the Israel-Gaza crisis. All referendums are subject to the ratification of the Board.

Support

The Union is acutely aware of the strong feelings of our membership on the Israel-Gaza crisis and the impact this may be having on them as students. We highlight the support available within the NTU community and direct members to support information provided here and later in this article.

We know Islamophobic and antisemitic attacks have surged in the UK and across the world and this has left many people and communities feeling vulnerable and unsafe. The appalling racist violence in towns and cities across the UK this summer targeting Muslims, migrants and racialised people has further fuelled feelings of fear and an acute awareness of individuals own safety.

We urge anyone who experiences or witnesses a hate crime or incident to report it and seek support through Report+Support or the NTSU Information & Advice Service. If you need urgent help call 999.

Decision

The Board have ratified, in so far as lawful to do so, the following items from the referendum;

1. To develop specific support structures to aid asylum seeker and international students impacted by the crisis, and other emergencies – similar to the support structures devised by NTU for Ukrainian students.

2. To ensure structures will support Palestinian, Arab, Muslim, Jewish, and Israeli students impacted by the situation.

3. To ensure the exec arrange events for these groups to support them in integrating into campus life, and prevent them feeling isolated from campus life, or uneasy in a hostile environment.

4. To release statements using rhetoric promoting a welcoming and supportive SU – and making sure that both communities feel heard the NUS guidelines include advice on how to promote this atmosphere and what language to use.

5. To ensure response time is reduced when international students reach out for support, and the SU is responsive after asking students if they need support.

6. To facilitate a space for student protests to take place near the SU – and ensure that, provided students are gathered here without obstructing campus life, police are not called unless required.

7. To liaise with police in the event of a large response to peaceful student demonstration.

8. To release clear and non-partisan policies on what flyers can be distributed on NTSU sites.

9. To lobby both NTU and the NUS to better support such students, and stand up for the freedom of expression and welfare of all involved.

Charity Commission guidance and existing legal positions make it clear that providing forums for debate and collective decisions has long been part of a Students’ Unions role. However, it also makes it clear that trustees cannot in good faith approve a motion which is outside of the charitable purpose and powers of the Students’ Union as a charity. This is also detailed in the NUS guidance referenced in the motion.

This means that while individuals, students, and communities can call for an end to the conflict, the release of all hostages, and for humanitarian aid, the prevailing view of the charity commission is that this is not compatible with the charitable purpose of a Students’ Union. This section of the motion is therefore not ratified;

The union will break its silence on the crisis by joining the UN security council and UK parliament in calling for an immediate, bilateral humanitarian ceasefire – as well as condemning indiscriminate murder.

What Next

Since the horrific events on 7th October 2023 and the subsequent humanitarian crisis the Union has engaged with, and provided support for, our members as students through our student groups and individually. The Union will now also work to implement this policy while ensuring we are tolerant and diverse community which;

Ensures the rights, safety and wellbeing of students and staff
Combats racism and hate, particularly antisemitism and Islamophobia
Tackles polarisation and builds inter-community relationships
Centres our students and minimises the influence of non-students

Students who would like to influence our work, talk to us about any issues raised, or want to talk to us about the impact of the crisis on them as students please get in touch.