Dear Leeds Beckett Students’ Union,
We are concerned to hear that the Leeds Beckett Marxist Society has been deregistered for their campaigning in support of the Palestinian people, in particular their use of the slogan “Intifada until Victory”. Leeds Beckett UCU calls for the immediate reinstatement of the Marxist Society.
Leeds Beckett Students’ Union have determined that this slogan puts the society in breach of their code of conduct, in particular, that all societies must conduct themselves in a “reasonable and responsible manner of mutual respect and understanding for all members of the University and external community”.
We feel that categorising this slogan as such is concerning for two main reasons:
Firstly, we believe this decision contributes to the criminalisation of the Arabic language, further creating a hostile environment on campus. The term intifada is roughly translated to mean “uprising” or “shaking off”. It is unclear how using these words breach the Leeds Beckett Student Union code of conduct. It also sets a dangerous precedent for the policing of free speech on campus.
Secondly, given the term “Intifada until victory” is not hate speech, this is a clear breach of freedom of speech on campus. While some may find the term uncomfortable, this is not grounds to deregister a society. A university is precisely the space where staff and students are exposed to a diversity of beliefs and ideas, and a place where critical thought should be actively encouraged.
We would like to extend our solidarity to the Marxist Society and ask the Students’ Union to reinstate the society in their appeal.
Regards,
Leeds Beckett UCU