UNIVSERITY STUDENTS VOTE 'NO' IN JEWISH SOCIETY ELECTIONS

https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/should-there-be-a-jewish-society-over-200-university-of-essex-students-vote-no-1.480349

In reflection to this publication by The Jewish Cornicle, we as a class tried to gather information on this in our practical journalism class on the 21st of February at 10am. I have put together a news story from the raw materials that we gathered and then shared my own opinion at the end of the article.

University students vote ‘no’ in Jewish Society elections

A university that prides itself for its inclusivity is in some deep water as over 200 students were willing to shut down a religious society they don’t agree with.

When speaking to the Student Union, who run the elections and societies, we heard there will be a meeting held on Thursday evening (21/01) to discuss exactly what the issues are. No one from the Student Union was willing to discuss any comments with us until after this meeting had taken place.

One computers and electronics lecturer, Dr Maaruf Ali, has been very vocal over social media about his opinions on the matter. On Thursday he was asked to go home, due to the amount of people who had questions for him based on what he had previously broadcasted. Our team tried to speak to him before he left, but he was advised to make no comments at this stage. He has now been suspended until further notice.

We did however get to speak to Sean, who is the president of the politics society at the university and he had a few comments to make on the subject. His main point being “I don’t see why a private society and groups of people, need to be approved by people who would never join it in the first place.” And that “They shouldn’t be subject to the decision of the masses”

Whilst the communications office provided us with this official statement:

"We expect staff, students and visitors to be treated, and to treat each other, with dignity and respect. The ratification process has been a focus for strong debate. As a university, we promote debate and deliberation of controversial issues and, within the limits of the law, encourage students and staff to express views with rigour and conviction. Alongside our commitment to freedom of speech, we also have clear guidelines for student and staff conduct and we have zero tolerance towards harassment or hate crime and will always take appropriate and proportionate action. We are looking into the allegations as a matter of urgency in accordance with our zero-tolerance policy.”

Obviously, over 200 students voting against Jewish Society is a problem that needs to be fixed. The society has now been created with 64% of the votes actually voting for the creation of it. It has been difficult to reach out to any students who voted ‘no’ in this election, as many would like to remain anonymous for obvious reasons.

Our team was able to speak to a few students and ask their opinion on all of this controversy:

The first student said: “I guess everyone is entitled to their own opinion and obviously some people feel more strongly than others. I feel that it’s slightly unfair because if other societies of a similar situation are allowed to be up and running then why shouldn’t this one”

Whilst another commented: “I don’t see why people would vote against such a society. We have more than one Christian society so why not the Jewish one”

The Vice Chancellor made this statement, to all staff, postgraduates, undergraduates and all campuses:

“We are a University that must live by our values and the events of this week have raised important questions for us. On behalf of our community, I want to speak out against all forms of antisemitism…

… I hope that the Jewish Society will be ratified by the Students’ Union Societies Guild. I see the establishment of the society as an important means of supporting Jewish students to enhance their experience at Essex. As Vice-Chancellor, I am delighted to see our Students’ Union so publicly supporting the establishment of the society. If the society is not ratified by our students, I will support its establishment as a University society.”

The university has its own ‘Amnesty international’ which we attempted to receive a comment from, however they advised us “For any press communication please directly contact Amnesty International UK.” to which we are waiting for a response.

It’s quite clear that this issue isn’t likely to disappear any time soon, however the University is making a clear effort to rectify this situation as quickly as possible. The statements from the establishment have stated they support the society and they will not let antisemitism be allowed.

Jamie-Paige Tucker

My own personal opinion on the matter:

I agree with Sean personally, I do believe that with the free speech movement that is a heavy focus for universities at the moment, A religious society should not be up for vote. As long as students are willing to abide by student union rules and have more than 10 society members, then why should they be denied their 'safe space'. Especially if the reasoning is because people who don't follow the religion are voting against it.

It would be interesting to hear from some students who voted 'no' as to what their reasoning was, unfortunately during this task we couldn't find anyone who voted against the society. We imagine this is out of embarrassment or shame, as there are 200 students on campus who are against such religious groups, but no one was willing to address why.

I believe the society should still be granted, as 64% of voters did vote in favour of it. I will not be attending the society, as I am not Jewish, however its existence does not bother me, and it will be a great asset for those students who are following the religion.