Suspended student union president continues fight for reinstatement

Shana Begum, elected president of Bolton University Student Union and Socialist Party member, was suspended by university management four months ago, just as students were leaving for the summer break.

Rather than allowing one of the union’s elected vice-presidents to take over as acting president while the university’s allegations are investigated, management has instead installed a totally unelected member to take over Shana’s responsibilities.

Also, in an unprecedented move, union trustees have been informed that the university is suspending the block grant given to the student union.

Shana said: “Students returning to their studies at the University of Bolton this year are attending an institution where student democracy has been totally shutdown.

“I have been suspended on spurious grounds, after being re-elected for a second term in office by an overwhelming majority.

“I am determined to defend student democracy. This blatant attempt to silence me is, in my opinion, a result of my determination to represent students with complaints against the university and raise uncomfortable questions about the treatment of international students and other groups.

“This matter isn’t going away. These are the actions of a university management anxious to silence anyone who tries to challenge their agenda.”