News
NUS president sacked over antisemitism claims accepts payout of ‘thousands’
Shaima Dallali was dismissed by the National Union of Students after an historic tweet referencing the killing of Jews emerged
May 7, 2024 16:53
Shaima Dallali was dismissed by the National Union of Students after an historic tweet referencing the killing of Jews emerged
May 7, 2024 16:53A former president of the National Union of Students sacked over allegations of antisemitism has accepted a five figure payout over her dismissal.
Shaima Dallali, 29, was removed from her post in November 2022 after an independent panel found "significant breaches” of NUS policies had taken place.
An investigation led by Rebecca Tuck QC had been launched earlier that year following allegations of antisemitism within the union.
Dallali stood accused of making several antisemitic comments on social media.
After her election, it emerged she had previously shared posts in which she praised antisemitic cleric Yusuf al-Qaradawi and wrote, “Khaybar Khaybar O Jews… Muhammad’s army will return Gaza”, a reference to a 628 AD massacre of Jews.
Dallali has since apologised for the comment “sincerely and unreservedly,” which she made in 2012.
Last year, the former student leader launched legal action against the NUS over her firing.
She said she had only learnt she had lost her job from social media and that she had been subjected to threats and personal abuse.
The settlement now reached between Dallali and the NUS means the case will not go to an employment tribunal.
Speaking after the announcement, Dallali said she was pleased, "that we have been able to resolve matters and that I can put this matter behind me.”
She continued: “I am an anti-Zionist and a proud pro-Palestinian. Following today’s settlement, I look forward to being able to focus on continuing to dedicate myself to the Palestinian cause and to serving my community.
"I am immensely grateful to those who have supported me during this difficult chapter in my life and I am pleased that all parties can now move on. Now more than ever, it is important that all communities come together for peace and justice.”
The NUS said they accepted that pro-Palestinian, anti-Zionist beliefs and pro-Zionist beliefs may all be protected.
"As a private individual Ms Dallali is, and as President of NUS she was entitled to hold protected beliefs,” they added.
“As has been noted repeatedly in the media, NUS was very concerned by a tweet that was written by Ms Dallali when she was a teenager, before she was even a student, in 2012.
"Ms Dallali has accepted that while it was not her intention, the tweet was antisemitic. Both parties accept that Ms Dallali has repeatedly apologised for that tweet.
"Throughout this matter, Ms Dallali has suffered truly horrific abuse, which has included death threats, threats of sexual assault and flagrant Islamophobia. This is wholly unacceptable, and NUS categorically condemn it.
"Ms Dallali now has the right to move on with her life and her career free from harassment or abuse.”
According to The Times, Dallali received a payment from the NUS worth tens of thousands of pounds as part of her settlement.
The newspaper also reported that the union had spent over £1 million investigating its former president.