This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-63477692
The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 3 | Version 4 |
---|---|
NUS president dismissed over anti-Semitism claims | NUS president dismissed over anti-Semitism claims |
(about 1 hour later) | |
The National Union of Students (NUS) has dismissed its president, Shaima Dallali, over anti-Semitism claims. | The National Union of Students (NUS) has dismissed its president, Shaima Dallali, over anti-Semitism claims. |
It follows an independent code-of-conduct investigation after allegations were made against her. | It follows an independent code-of-conduct investigation after allegations were made against her. |
The findings of a wider investigation into the NUS are yet to be published. | The findings of a wider investigation into the NUS are yet to be published. |
The Union of Jewish Students (UJS) said it "respects" the decision to dismiss Ms Dallali but the fact she had been elected in the first place was "a symptom of a wider problem" in the NUS. | The Union of Jewish Students (UJS) said it "respects" the decision to dismiss Ms Dallali but the fact she had been elected in the first place was "a symptom of a wider problem" in the NUS. |
Ms Dallali tweeted she had found out about her dismissal through Twitter, which was "unacceptable", and removed a reference to her role as president in her Twitter bio. | Ms Dallali tweeted she had found out about her dismissal through Twitter, which was "unacceptable", and removed a reference to her role as president in her Twitter bio. |
The NUS claims to represent seven million students in the UK, through its member students' unions across the country. | |
'Deemed unfit' | 'Deemed unfit' |
The investigation into Ms Dallali is confidential and no details have been published. | |
She was elected during the NUS's National Conference in March, and concerns were soon raised by Jewish students about her views. | She was elected during the NUS's National Conference in March, and concerns were soon raised by Jewish students about her views. |
In 2012, Ms Dallali posted a tweet that included an Arabic chant that referenced what has been described as a massacre of Jews in the year AD 628, which she has since apologised for. | |
It is possible she could appeal against the decision. | It is possible she could appeal against the decision. |
In a statement, the NUS apologised for the "harm that has been caused" and said it hoped "to rebuild the NUS in an inclusive way". | In a statement, the NUS apologised for the "harm that has been caused" and said it hoped "to rebuild the NUS in an inclusive way". |
Chloe Field, the acting chair of the NUS UK Board, said she was "proud to fight on behalf of all students". | Chloe Field, the acting chair of the NUS UK Board, said she was "proud to fight on behalf of all students". |
"I am determined to work together with the Union of Jewish Students to re-establish trust in our organisation and tackle some of the biggest issues facing students right now," she said. | "I am determined to work together with the Union of Jewish Students to re-establish trust in our organisation and tackle some of the biggest issues facing students right now," she said. |
In statement, the UJS said it "respects" the decision. | In statement, the UJS said it "respects" the decision. |
But it added: "Anti-Semitism in the student movement goes beyond the actions of any one individual and this case is a symptom of a wider problem. | But it added: "Anti-Semitism in the student movement goes beyond the actions of any one individual and this case is a symptom of a wider problem. |
"Jewish students across the country will be asking how an individual deemed unfit for office by NUS was elected in the first place." | "Jewish students across the country will be asking how an individual deemed unfit for office by NUS was elected in the first place." |
'Racist attacks' | |
The Federation of Student Islamic Societies, though, has defended Ms Dallali. | |
She had faced "multiple Islamophobic and racist attacks" since her election, it said in September, calling for an investigation into "institutional Islamophobia" within the NUS. | |
In May, the government in England cut ties with the NUS because of concerns about anti-Semitism. | In May, the government in England cut ties with the NUS because of concerns about anti-Semitism. |
Michelle Donelan, who was Universities Minister at the time, said she was horrified that some Jewish students might feel ostracised by a group that should be a voice for all. | Michelle Donelan, who was Universities Minister at the time, said she was horrified that some Jewish students might feel ostracised by a group that should be a voice for all. |
Responding to Ms Dallali's dismissal, Education Minister Robert Halfon said the Department for Education welcomed the verdict and looked "forward to seeing the outcome of the next stage". | Responding to Ms Dallali's dismissal, Education Minister Robert Halfon said the Department for Education welcomed the verdict and looked "forward to seeing the outcome of the next stage". |
He added that the wider report, which was originally due out at the end of last month, would "provide more detail on National Union of Students' plans to address anti-Semitism within the organisation". | He added that the wider report, which was originally due out at the end of last month, would "provide more detail on National Union of Students' plans to address anti-Semitism within the organisation". |