Students write open letter to Uni of York SU after approval of Reform UK Society

An open letter has been written to the University of York Students’ Union after a Reform UK Society was been approved this month.

Calling for the removal of the society, the letter demanded that the university “ensure that marginalised students and staff are able to work and study free from hatred”.

This makes York the third university in the country to have a registered Reform Society, alongside Durham University and the University of Exeter.

Following the creation of the society’s Instagram page, an open letter was created and circulated among students which called for the society to be dissolved. The letter since gained over 500 signatures in less than a week.

The letter has signatures from 21 societies and groups, alongside other hundreds of individuals, with many expressing their frustration with the Students’ Union for allowing the society to form. It received over 500 signatures in less than a week.

One anonymous student explained their reason for signing the letter as being “fear for marginalised people on campus who might be affected by an emboldened right-wing community.”

Although the account currently has less than a hundred followers and only a few posts, it has already drawn the attention of many students on campus.

In response to the open letter, York SU released a statement to recognise the concerns of some students.

The statement read: “As Reform UK is a nationally registered political party, with membership in Parliament, we understand students’ interests in forming their own cohort here in York.”

The SU has reassured students that Reform York’s society application followed the standard process for all society ratifications. Union committee members also sought further assurances from student leaders to make sure that the group understands the responsibilities to “uphold inclusivity and respect the rights, dignity and values of others.”

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Expected standards of behaviour are set out in the York SU student Code of Conduct, a document linked in the statement. It continues: “The Union is firmly committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity, and building a respectful, inclusive community. We strive to prevent all forms of discrimination and inequality.”

In a final closing comment, the York SU encouraged students to “participate in lawful discussions, support peaceful and respectful protests, and uphold the right to free speech and expression.”

It added that it would not be able to dissolve the society unless it breaks the law or the SU’s code of conduct: “It is not within the SU’s remit to prevent any society from ratifying on the grounds that members may hold views that might be unpopular or offensive, provided that the Society is not breaking the law or our Code of Conduct.”

Representatives from the Reform UK Society declared their aim to encourage discourse on campus by adding to the wide range of political societies.

In its application to be ratified, Reform York reassured York SU that they intend to act in the most responsible and caring way possible.

According to YouGov, nine per cent of 18 to 24 year olds voted Reform UK in the 2024 general election, overtaking the Conservatives. York is now the third UK university to have a Reform Society, representing a nationwide increase in right-leaning views among young people.

The society is currently still in the process of ratification, with York SU having made its efforts clear to promote freedom of speech and political neutrality.