NUS, take responsibility!

Submitted by Matthew on 2 March, 2016 - 11:41 Author: Kate Harris

In a blog published on 25 February, one of the National Union of Students’ national LGBT officers, Fran Cowling, finally responded to press coverage of their “no-platforming” of Peter Tatchell. It’s a confusing read, to say the least.

Fran writes that they “personally declined” an invitation to an event at Canterbury Christ Church University on the basis that Tatchell “has not always acted in the best interests of trans, Muslim and black communities”. By signing a public letter supporting the freedom of speech of trans-exclusionary radical feminists such as Germaine Greer on campuses, Fran argues that Tatchell “tacitly endorsed the right of individuals to espouse hate speech on campuses where vulnerable trans students may be affected”.

Cowling also cites texts criticising Tatchell’s politics around race and religion such as Jin Haritaworn et al’s “Gay Imperialism” as another reason why they would not speak at an event where Tatchell was also on the panel. They even go as far as to say, “in declining to attend the event my aim was to stand in solidarity with marginalised groups within the LGBT community”. Cowling is completely baffling. They argue they were standing in solidarity with marginalised groups, but they “did not seek to make [their] opinion of Peter public”. Apparently “solidarity” is just not gracing a stage with your presence, Fran? What is the point in a national officer having a view about someone’s “problematic” behaviour, if they just keep it to themselves? Fran also writes that they “were not prepared for [their] opinion to be shared so publicly”.

Again — they are an elected national officer of the National Union of Students, and as such they are already Google-able; and they are a minor political figure. I feel bad for any negative effects of the publicity, and coming out has been exceptionally hard in my life, too, but they really can’t claim to just be a private individual. Furthermore, Fran writes that they have not “claimed my membership share my views”. Well, isn’t it your job to find out, Fran? Were you not elected to represent LGBT+ people in the student movement?!

However, it’s not just Fran Cowling that deserves criticism in the student movement over free speech and liberation politics. It’s any elected officer, delegate or activist who doesn’t feel the need to explain themselves to anyone, because they undermine democracy in doing so. It’s everyone who’s stayed silent out of convenience and anyone who refuses to take a view because doing so is difficult. I’m not a student, but I feel let down by Fran Cowling as a leader in the LGBT+ movement more widely. If you think Tatchell is a bit racist and transphobic surely you should actually voice that and talk to your members, because that is real “solidarity”! It’s time for the NUS and for its officers and activists to take responsibility for their actions. Stand by your decisions and explain yourselves clearly.

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