The letter was first shared on Thursday afternoon, two days after the Reform UK Society’s (ReformSoc) Instagram account was created, and, at the time of this article’s publication, had amassed over 500 signatures. The signatories include students, societies, alumni, and other members of the University of York community.
Part of the 207-word letter said that: “Reform UK exists as a party to further demonise already marginalised communities and sow division across society […] It has espoused homophobic and transphobic sentiments such as a desire to ban ‘transgender ideology’ in schools.
“ […] Following the racist, islamophobic pogroms that took place in the UK over the summer, as well as recent racist graffiti on campus, Muslims, people of colour, and those from immigrant and refugee backgrounds have been subjected to appalling attacks and made to feel unsafe.”
The letter concluded: “We reaffirm our commitment to stand in full solidarity with those targeted by the far-right; on campus and in wider society.”
A link to a Google Forms document was included beneath the letter, through which people could add their signature.
The letter called “on the University of York and York SU to ensure that marginalised students and staff are able to study and work free from hatred and abuse.”
Speaking on this, Students’ Union Activities Officer Kaitlyn Beattie-Zarb said: “We are happy to welcome Reform Society into our growing community of political societies on campus.
“As a nationally recognised political party, with a growing membership in parliament, it makes sense that students are looking to form their own cohort here in York.
“As per our standard processes, we reviewed the students’ application during a recent Society Committee meeting, giving due consideration to various contexts behind the Reform party, and how the group might fit within our campus political atmosphere.
“We also took into great consideration the group’s own awareness of potentially negative reactions from students and their assurance that they shall seek to act in the ‘most responsible and caring way possible’.
“Reassured that this group would only add to the political diversity of our campus, the committee voted for Reform Society to be ratified, and we look forward to supporting them as they begin activity on campus.
“We hope that students continue to treat all political views with openness, as well as balance an utmost respect for the dignity, inclusivity and diversity of all people.”
One of the first signatories of the open letter Lorcan Ray told York Vision: “I chose to sign the letter for a multitude of reasons.
“Our international students are a source of immense pride […] our campus must always be a safe place for them.”
“Reform UK [has] run on a campaign of demonisation and it is a tragedy that this translated to electoral success in the summer.
“This open letter is a declaration that we stand with migrants within this University and [elsewhere], that hateful conduct on campus from a small minority of students will not be tolerated, and that Reform UK’s politics have no place in an institution for learning.
“History tells us that organisation on campuses is a powerful thing. UoY held marches for Palestine, before then marches against the Iraq war, before then nuclear disarmament. I […] implore all students to resist fascism on campus.”
ReformSoc is still in the process of ratifying and in the process of completing its constitution to become a fully ratified society at the University.
This afternoon, Beattie-Zarb and Union Affairs Officer Lewis Parrey released a statement on behalf of York SU in response to the open letter, writing: “We recognise the concerns that some members of our community have raised, following the ratification of a Reform Society to join our growing community of political societies on campus.”
“As Reform UK is a nationally registered political party, with membership in Parliament, we understand students’ interests in forming their own cohort here in York.
“Members of the [Union’s Society] Committee […] sought assurances from student leaders that the group fully understood the implications of ratifying, and the responsibilities of ratified student societies to uphold inclusivity and respect the rights, dignity and values of others.”
“ […] We strive to prevent all forms of discrimination and inequality. All ratified groups are required to adhere to the York SU student Code of Conduct, which sets out expected standards of behaviour to protect all students and create an inclusive environment.”
York Vision reached out for Reform UK Society but have not received a response.