Throughout my first academic year at Royal Holloway, I have witnessed a culture where racism is not only tolerated but normalised. Students have openly made anti-Asian and anti-Black remarks on campus and targeted students of colour online. Most concerning is that university governing bodies have legitimised these attitudes by ratifying the Israel Society and Friends of Israel Society. These groups openly identify as Zionist, as evidenced by their group chats, and exist to spread hate. When I took the necessary steps to formally advocate for change by contacting the University Safeguarding Team, I received no response or support after three weeks. This institutional silence and inaction has prompted me to create this petition.

The ratification of these societies has significantly exacerbated the issue of widespread racism, creating an environment where discrimination is endorsed by institutional structures. Their deliberate separation from the Jewish Society sends a clear message: these groups actively oppose the values of Jewish students and those of Israeli descent. The Jewish Society exists separately to distance itself from the Zionist ideology these groups promote. A group that openly identifies as Zionist directly contradicts Royal Holloway’s stated values of inclusivity and anti-discrimination.

This is not an issue limited to isolated incidents. Statistics from the Union of Jewish Students 2020 survey indicate that perceptions of racism in UK universities are on the rise, with over 30% of students experiencing or observing racism first-hand. This is a clear violation of student rights and safety. The campus should be a safe space for all individuals, regardless of their racial, ethnic, or political backgrounds. When organizations that openly support divisive politics exist within educational institutions, it undermines the safety and acceptance of students who feel threatened or marginalized by their actions.

By removing the Israel Society and Friends of Israel Society, we are urging Royal Holloway to take a significant step toward inclusivity. This is not an anti-opinion or anti-democracy stance; it is a call for the removal of groups that contribute to a hostile educational environment. The university must take a stand against the open discrimination promoted through their Zionist ideologies, rather than endorsing the structures and students that spread hate. We need only look at the case of Brodie Mitchell, who received a significant cash payout after suing the university for the suspension he received for making openly racist remarks towards a Friends of Palestine society member. Instead of spreading discrimination, we advocate for policies that promote dialogue and mutual respect amongst students from all backgrounds.

We call on Royal Holloway administration and governance to reevaluate these societies’ role and impact on campus culture. Royal Holloway is a place I love and devote myself to, but it must be a place that makes me and others like me feel safe, respected, and valued—not ignored, silenced, or combatted. When groups that spread hate are not only allowed to exist but endorsed and legitimised, marginalised students are reinforced the message that the university does not care about them. Instead, it actively opposes their right to safety and dignity. I refuse to accept this. Join us in highlighting the importance of an inclusive, safe, and equitable university experience for all. Sign this petition if you believe Royal Holloway should prioritize a campus culture that protests against racism and discrimination, leading the way for educational institutions across the United Kingdom.