The National Union of Students has apologised after leaving Judaism out of a survey asking students about their religious affiliations.
As part of an online questionnaire, students were asked “what is your religion, faith or belief?”
The answers offered were: “Buddhist”, “Christian”, “Hindu”, “Muslim”, “Sikh”, “Spiritual”, “Agnostic”, “Atheist”, “Prefer not say” and “An other [sic] religion or belief”.
A Jewish student tweeted: “It appears that Jewish members and volunteers of NUS seem to be forgotten again…
“NUS please rectify your form to at least make Jews feel they can attempt to engage!”
In response, the union tweeted: “We’re really sorry about this and will get it rectified ASAP”.
Shakira Martin, the incoming NUS president, tweeted: “Sincere apologies for this. “I'll get it sorted out immediately”.
However, another user asked, “How did it get left off in the first place?”
The relationship between the NUS and Jewish students has been strained following the election of Malia Bouattia as president of the National Union of Students in June 2016.
Ms Bouttia had previously referred to the University of Birmingham as “something of a Zionist outpost”, as well speaking about “mainstream Zionist-led media outlets”. Her election was seen by many Jewish students as an indication that the Union was unconcerned about their concerns.
Ms Bouattia was defeated this year in her bid for re-election, losing to Ms Martin, who has been seen as much more willing to engage with Jewish students and attempt to understand their concerns.
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