NUS recently released a long-awaited report by Rebecca Tuck KC, outlining the findings from an independent investigation into antisemitism within the organisation. The investigation was commissioned in April 2022 and NUS has published an accompanying action plan to deliver on the report’s recommendations. The report itself is extensive and details and outlines repeated instances of antisemitism across NUS. It also states that NUS has failed to sufficiently challenge antisemitism and hostility towards Jewish students and that they do not feel welcome or included within NUS.

The report is not exclusively focused on NUS and also highlights that antisemitism is prevalent within the student movement itself. At KCLSU, we see this acknowledgement as an important first step in NUS regaining the confidence of Jewish students, as well as the government and students’ unions.

KCLSU has a zero-tolerance approach towards any form of racism or discrimination. We strongly believe that antisemitism or any prejudiced behaviour has no place on any student campus. We are unequivocal in our stance against antisemitism.

We acknowledge the report, its independence, and its importance and recognise that, as a students’ union, we have a role to play. We also recognise the diversity of our own KCLSU and King’s community and we remain committed to working with all students from all backgrounds. We are committed to working with Jewish students at King’s to develop our own actions to ensure they feel welcome and have a sense of belonging at King’s.

This is an important moment for NUS and students’ unions to reflect and take credible action. We will now reflect on the findings and recommendations outlined in the report and any actions we may need to take and will respond more fully in the future.

If you need any mental health support during this time, or just someone to talk to, you can also use any or all of the resources below:

• Pro-Counselling is a free and confidential counselling service for King’s students. You can call them on 0808 196 6172 from 5 pm-9 am on weekdays and 24/7 on weekends, bank holidays, and King’s closure days.
• Togetherall is an anonymous, free, and 24/7 online mental health and wellbeing service you can access with your King’s email.
• KCLSU Wellbeing Hub is packed with resources, links, advice, and ideas to support you with your wellbeing and mental health all year round.
• King’s Chaplaincy is a resource for all students and staff at King’s, of all faiths and none. They welcome all students to get in touch for any support, especially during difficult times.
• If you feel your academic experience is suffering due to what is happening, our KCLSU Academic Advice team provides free, confidential, and impartial academic advice to students with issues affecting their studies.