THE NATIONAL Union of Students (NUS) pro-New Labour leadership are currently trying to push through massive attacks on the union’s internal democracy. Very similar attacks were narrowly defeated last year.
Although the proposals are prettified, the fundamental problems raised by student activists previously are still there; the NUS leadership will have even more power to dictate which motions are heard and which aren’t at annual conference; options remain to opt out of all campus elections for delegates to conferences; and a board will be appointed with the right to veto decisions, and the power to nominate electoral officers. This board will include non-students.
The NUS leadership have called a conference on 12 November at short notice; many student unions will not be able to elect delegates or discuss the proposals with students.
Socialist Students is calling for all students who agree with the need for a fighting, democratic national student body to approach your students union and try to come along – see www.socialiststudents.org.uk for more info.
