Your Students Union strongly condemns antisemitism and is deeply concerned by the findings of Rebecca Tuck KC’s report. We wish to express solidarity with all Jewish students at CU Group and beyond.

The NUS’ action plan appears promising, but it is clear the organisation has a great deal of work to do to eradicate systemic antisemitism.

Your SU will monitor the NUS’ response over the next year, including at the national conference, to observe whether the action plan is being implemented. If clear improvements are not made within the next year, we will run an all-student vote to consider disaffiliation from the campaigning arm of the organisation.

We will also be providing antisemitism training to staff to ensure our own organisation does not reproduce systemic antisemitism.

Your SU condemns all forms of racism. If you have been affected by these issues, please visit:

https://www.coventry.ac.uk/study-at-coventry/student-support/case-reporting-system/

We also wish to express solidarity with Palestinian and Muslim students, and recognise that the rights of each of these groups are not in conflict with each other.

What is the NUS?

The National Union of Students, commonly known as NUS, is a confederate association of around 600 Students' Unions, representing the interests of more than seven million students across higher education and further education.

NUS was founded in 1922 and has been championing students' views and social change, supporting Students' Unions locally to do the same. For Students’ Unions to be a member of NUS they need to ‘affiliate’, with new affiliations approved at the NUS National Conference that happens every year with representatives from all member Unions. The National Conference is also where delegates from member unions discuss campaigns, policy and elect the NUS Officer Team.

What is the Tuck report?

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. This report is referred to as the “Tuck report”.

What is Antisemitism? 

Antisemitism is a prejudice against Jewish people. The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) have provided the following definition:

“Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

Some commenters equate pro-Palestinian activism with Antisemitism; however, these are separate issues. Opinions on the Israel-Palestine conflict do not have to be anti-Jewish.

Resources

https://www.nus.org.uk/independent_investigation_into_antisemitism

https://www.ujs.org.uk/nus_report

https://www.brismes.ac.uk/news/statement-in-response-to-the-rebecca-tuck-kc-report-on-antisemitism