As President of the Students’ Union, I represent every student at Warwick. That responsibility includes defending lawful free expression, and it also includes a duty of care towards students who feel targeted, unsafe, or marginalised within our community. Universities must be places where ideas are debated openly and challenged critically. 

Defending the right to speak does not mean endorsing the views expressed. It means ensuring that speech takes place within the law, while also protecting students’ wellbeing and their equal right to challenge views they oppose. 

Following the recent PPE Society event, many students contacted the Students’ Union to share that they felt uncomfortable and distressed by rhetoric associated with the speaker and his party. Warwick is a diverse and international university, home to students of different nationalities, faiths, identities, cultures, and backgrounds. When members of our community tell us that political discourse makes them feel unwelcome or unsafe, it is our responsibility as elected officers to listen, to support them, and to be clear about where their rights stand. 

Representing all students does not mean mirroring every political view held on campus. It means standing up for every student’s right to belong here. It also means being clear that we do not support rhetoric that seeks to exclude or dehumanise members of our community on the basis of who they are. 

The Students’ Union upheld the law throughout this event. We did not attempt to cancel it. We recognise that the speaker was legally entitled to attend and to speak. At the same time, we supported students’ equal right to question, challenge, and protest peacefully. 

We are unequivocal that violence, intimidation, or harassment have no place at Warwick. The attempted physical disruption of the event was unacceptable and is not supported by the Students’ Union. Protest must always remain peaceful. Equally, the abuse and extreme language directed at members of PPE Society following the event is wrong, and support is available to any students affected. 

We also want to be clear that peaceful protest is itself a form of free expression, and students have the right to express disagreement without fear or intimidation. We recognise that the presence of police on campus during the protest was distressing for some students. Our expectation is that protest is facilitated safely and proportionately, with student wellbeing at the centre. 

Free expression and inclusive belonging are not opposing principles. They are both essential to a democratic university. I will continue working with students, societies, and the University to ensure Warwick remains a place where debate is robust and challenging, but where every student knows they are valued, protected, and able to participate fully in university life. 

Alijah Taha 

President, Warwick Students’ Union