Comment Is the NUS still fit for purpose?

Joshua Hughes, Editor, gives his take on whether Exeter should remain an NUS member in light of recent events

IF you asked a random student their opinions on the National Union of Students (NUS), it’s likely they wouldn’t be able to tell you much. For many students, the NUS is a body that is nothing more than a logo on the back of their student cards. The significance of this organisation, however, is important to recognise, and understanding how it impacts the lives of students is truly important. On its website, the NUS proclaims itself to represent university and college students across the UK and strive for “national change for students”.

Despite this, the NUS found itself in the centre of an antisemitism scandal which led to its president, Shaima Dallali, being ousted in a major shake-up in November 2022. The investigation conducted by Rebecca Tuck KC suggested that shocking incidents of antisemitism within the NUS took place, employing ancient antisemitic tropes which ranged from blood libels to Rothschild conspiracies. The report also found that of a set of eight complaints made against successfully elected NEC candidates or sabbatical officers, seven were found to involve statements that were antisemitic. the NUS found itself in the centre of an antisemitism scandal which led to its president, Shaima Dallali, being ousted

Although the ‘Principles for Action’ set out by the NUS in the wake of the report’s findings including pledges such as trust between Jewish students and the NUS and long term change, Exeter NUS delegates found that there was still a long way to go at the recent NUS national conference. Exeposé reported last term that delegates expressed concerns surrounding an alleged antisemitic leaflet being handed out by a third party outside the conference — the leaflet depicted a Star of David on a burning background. Moreover, the question of genuine representation can be levelled towards the NUS, as students only have the opportunity to vote for delegates as opposed to a more direct approach in which the president could be voted in.

Another aspect of Exeter’s NUS membership to take into account is the affiliation fee which is paid annually.

For example, in the 2021-22 academic year, the Students’ Guild paid £37,500 which the Guild stated “gives us access to training, resources, networks and advice”. While this is the case, it is important to question the efficacy of an organisation that has had such damming claims made against them, and also students must wonder whether they want their union to be taking advice from a body recently described as “hostile” towards Jewish students. Moreover, the finances of the NUS are another area that must be highlighted. In the wake of the release of the report in 2022, the government ceased all communication with the NUS and suspended its funding, suggesting that the affiliation fee will be of greater significance for the organisation.

Exeter NUS delegates also expressed concerns at the recent conference surrounding the accountability of the NUS. These centred on accountability sessions in the Democratic Procedures Committee being either cancelled or cut short. The delegates also suggested that attendees were in a general sense looked down on by the conference organisers.

So, the real question is for students, is it really worth being a member of the NUS? An organisation that has been dogged with allegations of antisemitism and had its accountability questioned by delegates will face a membership referendum in Exeter at some point in the next academic year. Students will have it in their hands to decide whether the report was a watershed moment or the final nail in the coffin for the organisation. The goals set by the NUS speak of long-term change and a new culture for the NUS and personally, I believe that time will only tell whether the organisation is fit to represent all students and strive for national change.

Is letting U25s gamble more trouble than it’s worth?

Anabel Costa-Ferreira, Comment Editor, discusses young people and gambling

AFTER recent discussions surrounding both age restrictions and amounts allowed to bet, we are led to consider how the UK is managing this hidden struggle. In the UK currently, it is estimated the figure of problem gamblers lies somewhere between the 250,000 and 460,000 mark. With the term problem gambler referring to when the activity becomes an addiction, and everyday lives and relationships are impacted as a result.

later risk of addiction. Although gambling is associated (for some) with a bit of fun and excitement, it is also a term commonly attached to nights out and occurs (too often) under the influence of alcohol.

Typically, the ‘broke uni student’ persona would not lead you to think of betting, yet student gambling is a growing national problem. And can we perhaps even trace this problem back to university culture itself?

Now, if you are anything like me, the concept of going to the races was not a familiar one till you graced the grounds of Exeter University. As multiple times a year, thousands of students can be seen in a haze of tweed and plaid, watching the races, with a drink in

In the past month, the BBC reported that new limits should be expected, though the “the culture department, in charge of gambling, declined to comment”. While the age group impacted most by betting currently is not the Under 25 category, prevention laws (at this age) are a must to minimise the hand and ready to place their bets. Although, this is not exclusive to Exeter, as at many other institutions the existence of the races finds its way onto students’ ‘uni bucket list’. Upon further research, it is unsurprising to see that this is seen primarily at Russell Group universities through the company ‘Invades’. Launched back in 2019, their popularity has spread rapidly and student days at the races exist currently at 63 different universities. As someone who has attended the races once, I can honestly say that while it was an enjoyable day out with friends it was shocking to witness the amounts students were willing to bet, or in other wordsto likely lose. Though some cries of beginner’s luck were witnessed this is not something to rely upon. While it is possible to spend a day at the races without risking your student loan, it continues to be a risk. Not only are our brains still developing, but as students we are more likely to be reckless when it comes to expenses. Perhaps a result of a limited financial education, or instead the result of our newfound financial freedom away from home. Whatever the reason — this combination of factors is concerning, especially given that for many of us this is the first time we’ve had to manage our finances. And when placed alongside a drinking environment — it leads us to consider whether the races are doing more harm than good?

We are more likely to be reckless when it comes to expenses

As we remain amid a cost-ofliving crisis, it seems clear that these rumoured laws are needed now more than ever. However, the choice on how to spend your income is entirely yours to make, so if you choose to bet, may the odds be in your favour.