Are Some Student Unions Bigoted?

Having never belonged to any Students Union - probably because cheap beer didn't interest me when I was a lassie - the only knowledge I have of these organisations is that gleaned from those who were attracted by late opening hours and cheap beer.  They were often described as their own night clubs and back in the 60s some did hold memorable events.  I still have a couple of glasses which hold nothing but fond recollections these days.

Alex Singleton has accused the student unions of Birmingham, University College London and Exeter universities of bigotry.  I agree with him.

These universities have all refused applications from UKIP's youth wing (Young Independence) who wanted to pay for a stall t their freshers' fairs. Mr Singleton has been 'told other parties will be allowed to exhibit' and told UKIP's youth wing that they can't take part because they count as a commercial organisation, as they haven't yet affiliated student societies within these universities.

How do political parties acquire official status?  By attending fresher fairs and recruiting members.

UKIP MEP (pictured above) isn't happy. "By banning UKIP from Freshers Fairs they merely make Youth Independence more attractive.

"So thank you Birmingham student union for your intolerance, cheers Exeter for your pettifogging ways and I raise a glass to UCL for highlighting how low grade and fearful you are. YI will go from strength to strength on the back of this pig-headed foolishness."Mr Singleton received this feeble explanation from Birmingham university:

Birmingham University told me that they won't allow Young Independence to have a stand because it is not run by Birmingham students. But when I asked if a YI member who is an undergraduate at the university could book one, I was told that this, too, would not be possible, as a YI society has not been approved by the union.

Is equality only available to the Tory, Labour and LibDem parties these days?  I believe every legally registered political party should be able to have access to our youth.  What are these universities feart of?

They are establishments which provide education.  They are businesses which hold charity status.  Behaving in this manner will attract many more people, both young and old, to the UKIP cause than allowing UKIP to pay for their stall and exert their best sales tactics.

Note: I am not a UKIP supporter.

source

Tweet