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News > World

First Black Muslim Woman Elected UK Student Leader

  • Malia Bouattia is one of the most prominent anti-racist, pro-Palestine activists in the U.K.

    Malia Bouattia is one of the most prominent anti-racist, pro-Palestine activists in the U.K. | Photo: Facebook

Published 20 April 2016
Opinion

Malia Bouattia, a firm supporter of the Palestinian cause, is the first-ever Black female NUS president since its creation in 1922.

The National Union of Students has elected its first-ever Black female Muslim, Malia Bouattia, as president after the radical anti-racist activist picked up 372 votes over current President Megan Dunn's 328.

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In a Facebook post following her victory, Bouattia thanked her supporters for making the victory possible while pointing to the social importance of her new role.

"My election was not just about NUS; it has to be about our society, and the role of our movement within it. We must ensure our union is at the centre of a national fight for something better, and puts liberation at the heart of all we do."

Bouattia has a long history of activism, both on and off campus. One of the founding members of Muslimah Pride, formerly known as "Muslim Women Against Femen," she has also campaigned with the Midlands Women's Network on wider issues affecting women.

As part of her manifesto for NUS officer, she said the education system in the U.K. is in "crisis" and that the U.K.'s student movement needs to "respond."

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"We need a proactive president who encourages campaigns and self-organisation on the ground, and leads a united movement in the face of harsh and sustained cuts to student support and our education."

A former University of Birmingham student, Bouattia is a prominent critic of the British government's so-called "anti-radicalization" Prevent program that targets Muslims on university campuses and elsewhere. Originally from Constantine, Algeria, she is a also staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause, she has previously called for "resistance" against the Israeli state.

The NUS Students' Officer since 2014, Bouattia has also occupied the role of NUS Anti-Racism and Anti-Fascism Co-convenor since 2014 and was named a Black Mental Health top 30 leading individual of the year in 2014 and 2015.

Speaking at Tuesday's election conference, which was held in Brighton, Bouattia said: “When we talk about liberation, it’s not just about women, Black, LGBT+, or disabled students. It’s about us all.”

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