Loughborough University’s student union has disaffiliated from the National Union of Students, becoming the fourth to leave the organisation since the election of NUS president Malia Bouattia.
The SU’s Board of Trustees - its governing body - made the final decision yesterday evening after a referendum on May 27 did not attract the required number of votes for a valid result.
A majority had voted to leave the NUS, by 54 per cent to 41 per cent, but there were nearly 2,000 fewer voters than the amount needed, which was 4,000.
In a statement published on its website, the Board of Trustees - which is made up of 11 students, three laypeople and the university's chief operating officer - said: "Loughborough Students’ Union will end their affiliation with the NUS.
"The Board of Trustees have decided to support the student vote in the recent Referendum."
The student union followed its counterparts at Lincoln, Newcastle and Hull in choosing to disaffiliate since Ms Bouattia became NUS president in April.
The new president has called her alma mater Birmingham University - which has one of the largest Jewish societies in the country - a “Zionist outpost,” and has also referred to the “Zionist-led media”.
It was also revealed in May by student newspaper The Tab that Ms Bouattia was found guilty of misconduct by the NUS last year over alleged antisemitism.
Nottingham and York’s student unions will now both reveal the results of their referenda on Friday, after the York SU decided to extend its voting deadline until tomorrow, to encourage more participation.
The SUs at Cambridge, Warwick, Exeter and Worcester have already voted against disaffiliation.
