The National Union of Students (NUS) has had a rough couple of years, all considered.
Its centenary conference in 2022 was shrouded in claims of antisemitism – controversial rapper Lowkey had been booked, making Jewish students feel “excluded and unwelcomed”, only for Jewish students to be told to use a “safe space” designated for students who are sensitive to loud noise for the duration of Lowkey’s performance.
But it was the election of Shaima Dallali – the President of City, University of London SU – that proved to be most controversial. Allegations of antisemitism surrounding both her contemporary and prior behaviour swirled around her candidacy before, during and after the event – triggering the government to formally announce a “disengagement” from the body in May of that year.
A KC-led investigation into both Dallali specifically and antisemitism in NUS generally ensued – the former of which appeared to lead to Dallali’s dismissal. In theory, the case will be heard in court any day now – and while NUS is not covered specifically by the Free Speech Act, may well offer up insights and parallels into the myriad issues and tensions surrounding student conduct and free speech on campus.
