Middlesex University gags president
The Middlesex University Student Union (MUSU) is in turmoil this week. Union president Mr. Keith Shilson has been suspended from his position by the university. The extraordinary move by the university vice-chancellor occurred when Mr. Shilson gave Hizb ut-Tahrir, the militant Islamist organisation, permission to hold a meeting on campus.
The NUS has an official 'no platform' policy for Hizb ut-Tahrir and various fascist political parties, including the British National Party (BNP). Hizb ut-Tahrir is accused of anti-Semitism and links with terrorists groups, including Al-Qaeda. The organisation is banned in Germany and has attracted the attention of security services across Europe.
Mr. Shilson was carrying out a motion passed by MUSU's Student Government to invite a speaker from Hizb ut-Tahrir to address students and explains the organisation's policies. The union's constitution obliges Mr. Shilson to implement policy passed by the Student Government, Mr Shilson duly arranged a meeting for September. On Monday 26 September he was asked by vice-chancellor Mr. Michael Driscoll to cancel the meeting. The following day Mr. Shilson decided to move the meeting to MUSU premises, he was immediately banned campus and his studentship suspended.
Mr. Shilson has stated: 'The vice-chancellor has no right to carry out an academic suspension on me because, as MUSU President, I carried out a policy as I had been mandated. I would have been remiss in my responsibilities as the President if I had told the student that asked me for the meeting that I was disregarding union policy and cancelling the meeting.'
The MUSU executive is currently deciding on a position to adopt regarding the expulsion. In the meantime students outraged by the university's decision have arranged a 'Defend Civil Liberties' meeting on the campus in support of Mr. Shilson.
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