York joins Exeter and Durham as the third university to have a registered Reform Society
The Reform UK Society has been accepted at the University of York this month.
This makes York, along with Durham and Exeter, the third university in the country to have a registered Reform Society.
Although the ratification process is still ongoing, the York Reform Society’s Instagram account has recently been created and has quickly gained the attention of students.
Although the account currently has less than a hundred followers and only a few posts, it seems like every student on campus is talking about it. An open letter has been published in protest against the ratification, which gathered more than 500 signatures in less than a week.
Why the protest?
Almost immediately after Reform York’s Instagram appeared, an open letter calling for the society’s removal began circulating. The letter calls on the university to “ensure that marginalized students and staff can work and study without hatred.”
The letter now has signatures from 21 clubs and groups, along with hundreds of others, and many have expressed their frustration at allowing the student union to form a society.
One anonymous student stated his reason for signing the letter was “fear of marginalized people on campus who might be influenced by an emboldened right-wing community.”
Response from York SU
In response to the open letter, York SU released a statement to acknowledge the concerns of some students.
The statement said: “As Reform UK is a nationally registered political party with members in Parliament, we understand the benefit of students forming their own cohort here in York.”
SU has assured students that Reform York’s society application followed the standard process for all society ratifications. Union committee members also sought additional assurances from student leaders to ensure the group understands its responsibility to “demand inclusion and respect the rights, dignity and values of others.”
Expected standards of behavior are outlined 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, York SU encourages students to “engage in legitimate debates, support peaceful and respectful protests, and defend freedom of speech and expression.”
It states quite clearly that “it is not within the power of the SU to prevent any society from ratifying on the grounds that members may hold views which may be unpopular or offensive, provided the Society does not violate the law or our code of conduct.”
What does society have to say?
The society’s representatives have announced that they are trying to encourage discussion on campus by increasing political society.
In its application for ratification, Reform York assured York SU that it intends to act in the most responsible and caring manner.
According to YouGov, 9% of 18-24 year olds voted Reform UK in the 2024 general election, overtaking the Conservatives. York is now the third UK university to host a Reform Society, representing a national increase in right-wing views among young people.
The society is currently still in the ratification process, and York SU has made clear its commitment to promoting free speech and political neutrality.