The University of Birmingham’s Friends of Palestine Society is facing investigation after complaints about a talk it hosted by US army Veteran, Mike Prysner. 

The investigation could result in the society being suspended or even derecognised, over allegations of anti-Semitism.  This is not the first time that the Society has faced a campaign to delegitimize it.   

The complaints related to comments the speaker made likening Gaza to a concentration camp and comparisons between Israel’s actions in Gaza and the actions of the Nazi government in Germany.

The Friends of Palestine Society has since made clear that it does not support such a comparison (See blog: http://uobfop.blogspot.com), and that it followed all proper procedures in inviting the speaker.

Despite this, the Students’ Union has been put under pressure to follow the University’s complaints procedure. The disciplinary committee will meet Wednesday 9^th February in which a decision will be made as to what sanctions will be taken against the Friends of Palestine Society.

WE SUPPORT THE RIGHT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM’S FRIENDS OF PALESTINE SOCIETY TO HOST SPEAKERS CRITICAL OF ISRAEL AND CALL ON THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM NOT TO UNDERTAKE ANY SANCTIONS ON THE SOCIETY.