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Petition to trigger a Students’ Union referendum: Vote of No Confidence in BBKSU trustee governance and independence
I, Zara Biermann (Final year LLB Law, part-time), submit this petition under the Birkbeck Students’ Union Constitution to request a referendum of members and a vote of no confidence in the current Trustee Board and the Sabbatical Officers with responsibility for student advocacy and support.
Over the past year I have had to fight, largely alone, for basic support and advocacy at some of the most stressful points of my degree. In that process, the Union’s leadership has, in its own written response, said that it is not there to advocate or represent students in disputes, and that it cannot define “reasonable adjustments” under the Equality Act 2010. For a Students’ Union, that is not a neutral position - it is a failure of purpose.
For a Students’ Union, this is not a minor technicality - it goes to the heart of its purpose. If the Union will not even stand up for disabled and marginalised students under its own constitution and under equality law, then something is badly wrong.
Over the past year, multiple students have come to me describing how they felt let down, ignored or simply sign-posted back to College policy when they were at crisis point. Instead of using its independent voice, the Students’ Union has too often acted like an echo of the institution it is meant to hold to account.
This petition is not about relitigating my individual case: that has already been settled externally. It is about governance, accountability, and trust. When a Union openly steps back from defending disabled and marginalised students under its own constitution and under equality law, members are entitled to ask whether they still have confidence in that leadership at all.
Under Article 12 of the BBKSU Constitution (Referendums) and the provisions on motions of no confidence and removal of trustees and officers, members have the right to demand a democratic vote on whether the Union is still fit to represent them. By signing this petition, you are supporting:
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A referendum of members on whether they have confidence in the current Trustee Board and relevant Sabbatical Officers; and
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A clear statement that the Union must be independent of the College, willing to challenge it where necessary, and willing to stand up for students - not simply repeat policy back at them.
Under the Birkbeck Students’ Union Constitution (Articles 12, 35 and 37), a referendum is triggered when 1% of members sign a secure petition.
Right now, that means 92 Birkbeck students. If you believe the Union should be independent, transparent and willing to stand up for students, please add your name below to support holding this vote.
This petition will be submitted in line with the constitutional requirements.