A newly introduced university society has received a backlash among students.
Earlier this month, the University of Sussex Student Union granted permission for a student-led Reform society.
The decision has led to large-scale criticism from students, with many calling for the society to be scrapped due to concerns around the party's values and ideology.
On Thursday (January 29), members of Antifascists Students Sussex hosted a protest against the society in the Library Square at the University of Sussex campus.
The group held the protest during the Refreshers event, which the Reform society was set to attend for the first time.
At the demonstration students held banners with statements including “the enemy doesn’t arrive by boat; he arrives by limousine” and “stop racist Reform UK”.
Brighton and Hove Young Greens were also among those to speak out against the society.
In a post, it said: “Repeated Tory law making, from Thatcher to Sunak, means that students unions are strictly regulated charities.
“This means a society cannot be refused recognition solely because of its objectives, policies, or opinions – the Students Union’s hands are tied by the Charities Act 2011 and the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023.
“Due to these restrictions, it is up to students to counter the rise of Reform on campus. Whether through debate, protest, or organising with similarly-minded students, staff and societies, holding Reform to account and building a movement that can eclipse the far-right is how we beat them – both at Sussex and beyond."
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Those wishing to create a society at the university have to apply via the Student Union, which is a charity separate from the university.
The Student Union is governed by the charity commission, which means it must follow its rules and obligations such as the requirement to be politically neutral.
The University of Sussex has supported the Student Union, stating that “those who support Reform, or any other UK political party, are entitled to do so”.
A University of Sussex spokeswoman said: “Freedom of speech is a foundational commitment of the University of Sussex. We are committed to ensuring that diversity of thought and belief can flourish in our community, consistent with our institutional values of inclusion, kindness, and openness. Those who support Reform, or any other UK political party, are entitled to do so.
On Monday (January 26), the Sussex Uni Students for Reform society shared a social media post claiming that members had received an “unprecedented level of hostility”.
It said it would be writing to the university calling for incidents to be investigated further.
A university spokeswoman added: “Sussex is a campus of vibrant intellectual discussion, disagreement and sometimes robust debate; however, this must always be conducted lawfully, respectfully and with regard for differences of opinion. The safety of all members of the university is our highest priority, and we will not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment.”
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