To Whom it may concern within the Appeals decision making process:

We, the undersigned, representing a collective of elected sabbatical officers from universities across the United Kingdom, feel it pertinent to speak out on behalf of the terminated sabbatical officers at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London's Students' Union.

Our roles as sabbatical officers are dedicated to advocating for the rights and welfare of the student bodies we represent. It is with this commitment to advocacy and justice that we express our deep concern regarding the recent terminations at SOAS Students' Union.

The abrupt dismissal of these officers mere minutes before their first shift, with no accusation or evidence of gross misconduct raises significant issues about the transparency, fairness, and due process within the institution. We believe that the actions taken against these individuals not only undermine their contributions but also set a troubling precedent for student representation and autonomy in higher education institutions across the UK.

In our capacity as elected representatives, we stand in solidarity with the affected officers and call for an immediate review of the decisions leading to their termination. We urge the administration of SOAS SU and those involved with the appeal process to engage in a transparent and fair dialogue with all stakeholders involved, ensuring that the principles of justice and equality are upheld. We find it deeply troubling that elected student representatives were dismissed within minutes of their first day of work, even more so that institutional grievances have been brought into the SU and it's decision making process. 

Moreover, we advocate for the establishment of clear and fair procedures that protect the rights of sabbatical officers and ensure their ability to serve their student communities without fear of unjust reprisal. Our collective voice seeks to emphasise the importance of maintaining the integrity and independence of student unions as fundamental components of democratic governance within our universities.

In signing this letter, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting our peers at SOAS and to upholding the values of fairness, transparency, and justice in all student union activities.

Sincerely,