Today the National Union of Students
publishes its report following the investigation into
antisemitism and the action plan it will take forward on the
recommendations.
In May 2022, NUS commissioned Rebecca
Tuck KC to lead an independent investigation looking at recent
allegations of antisemitism as well as historic matters and
broader culture. NUS worked closely with the Union of Jewish
Students throughout.
We are confident that the
investigations have been thorough, fair and conducted to the
highest standards throughout. There is no room for doubt that
this process has been as robust as it
gets.
The KC’s
report is a detailed and
shocking account of antisemitism within the student movement. It
is a truly difficult read for all of us but we welcome the
clarity it brings to enable us to act with confidence to tackle
antisemitism head on. There is no place
for antisemitism within NUS and we are committed to ensuring that
Jewish students feel safe and welcome in every corner of our
movement. Antisemitism is an attack on our shared values of
equality and solidarity. We have a proud history of fighting
struggles alongside Jewish students. We must tackle antisemitism
in all its forms with collective responsibility and in doing so
restore our collective. We are stronger
united.
Our priority now is to take forward
the recommendations from Rebecca Tuck KC’s independent report to
tackle antisemitism in all its forms across the breadth and depth
of NUS. We have developed an action plan which will help us
achieve this, but it is vital that we listen and learn from
others, which is why we are setting up an Advisory Panel to
scrutinise this plan and oversee its implementation. We must
shine a light on the realities of antisemitism and be transparent
in our reporting of progress.
Our action plan has 5 key areas of
work each with specific actions and deadlines for implementation,
a summary of which is provided
below:
- A proud and unwavering commitment to
understanding and tackling antisemitism in all its forms within
NUS and the student movement
Full transparency
Advisory Panel to oversee the implementation of the plan for a
minimum of 5 years
Training for all staff and elected leaders and advanced training
for key individuals
- Permanent formal representation for Jewish students within a
wider Inclusion and Liberation Strategy for NUS
Reinstate NUS’ Anti-Racism Anti-Fascism Committee with dedicated
representation for Jewish students
Associate Membership for UJS
A new Inclusion and Liberation Strategy for NUS
- Changing culture through education, practice and
dialogue
Educational materials on constructive dialogue
Guidance on minimising harm in activity relating to Israel and
Palestine within student politics
Strengthening community relations between key student
groups
- An enhanced Candidate Preparation Process for NUS
elections
Training
Deal with historic conduct and ‘digital footprint’
Risk assessment and safety plan
- Strengthen NUS’s governance
Clear boundaries between ‘political’ and ‘operational’ matters
An external speakers policy
Strengthened data retention
As we look to the future, our action
plan will centre the voices of the Jewish students we are here to
represent. However, it is essential that Jewish students alone
are not expected to carry the burden of delivering change and
identifying issues. We recognise that tackling antisemitism is
the responsibility of everyone within NUS and across the Higher
Education sector and therefore we will work in lockstep with
others to bring about positive
change.
Whilst the independent investigation
has come to its conclusion, we understand that this is an ongoing
endeavour. We have rightly opened ourselves up to scrutiny and
welcome the findings from the independent investigations. Our
action plan is the next step towards earning and restoring trust
with Jewish students and to ensuring they are able to feel safe
and supported within NUS.
The report, action plan and FAQs are
available here.
