Assed Baig and PC Keith Emery clash on StaffsLive
20 November 2009
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68 Comments
By Andrew Stuart and Zubeda Mir: Banned police officer Keith Emery has gone head to head for the first time with Students’ Union President Assed Baig.
During a StaffsLive debate the two clashed over the officer’s exclusion from the union offices amid claims he had given students’ private information to anti-terrorist police.
PC Emery denied the allegation during the discussion hosted by StaffsLive presenter Zubeda Mir:
Aaaahhh, Assed, Assed, Assed…always at the centre of a controversy and doesn’t he love it!
Why does a police officer need to pre-arrange a visit? So if there’s a armed robbery will Keith have to ring Assed and arrange a meeting? What if Assed’s in a lecture and can’t answer his phone? Nightmare.
The student’s should vote on this, will it really take 8 weeks to organise this?
Keep up the good work Keith. And well marshalled Zubeda.
Zubeda this is a GREAT interview.
Nuff said!
Kieth Emery is a really nice guy and poses no threat or intimidation to any law abiding student. Restricting access to certain areas of the university for police officers is ridiculous. This to Assed’s reluctency, should go to the voters and we’ll see clearly who is in favour of letting the Police force do what they do best, ensure the safety of students.
The matter raised about Anti-Terror Police is also ridiculous. The plotter of the 1993 World trade Center attack was a student studying in Swansea and a terrorist who attacked London in July 05 was a Leeds student, so its evidential its been happening in British Universities. I’m saying theirs reason for Police presence across the universities of Britain, not specifically the university of Staffordshire.
We should be welcoming the security and presence of the Police, not hindering their access to selected areas of the university.
Are the police allowed in Stafford’s Student Union space? or are they only banned from around the part where Assed’s office is?
This guy shouldn’t be in charge of our student union
The police/keith emery is not allowed in the space above the ember lounge, the main students union space.
But he is still wanted to work on all other aspects of the uni site.
Dear me this is becoming an absoloute joke, ive lost all faith in Asseds judgement. From Policys, lack of action on local issues, bnp links-gate fiasco and turning the union into a walk in activist library.
I ask what has been asked before, what has your students union president done for you recently? Apart from cause national and wide spread bad press about the university?
I can’t think of a single reason outside of a criminal one why someone would not want a police officer to feel like they could enter what is essentially a public space (there are no checks made on student/staff status at the doors of any of the buildings in Staffs Uni). Personally, I feel that Assed is denying me one of my rights of protection by the police when I go about my daily business, which I pay for. As a student, I feel woefully let down by this ridiculous policy.
I think Assed has a rather huge chip on his shoulder and is simply exercising as much power over whoever he can whilst he can. Clearly he despises authority of any nature and his anti-establishment comments in this interview (and on other public forums, such as twitter) have extremely sinister undertones.
This argument of people feeling intimidated is so flimsy that it almost feels like this is some kind of far-fetched Hollywood plot.
I see the old classic chestnut has been used too; “loads of people are intimidated, but they’re too scared to say who they are and I want to protect them”. What complete rubbish. Assed preaches tolerance, yet amongst other obviously biased opinion about social groups he clearly sees every police officer as “the same” because they are “just following orders”. How bigoted and prejudiced of you, Assed.
Before anyone complains of this anonymous post, it’s not just Assed’s mates, cronies and side-kicks who are in fear – it’s rapidly becoming a fearful place at Staffs Uni with this extremism. Anyone speaking up against the lunacy of the current Union policy is publicly denounced as right wing, Nazi, Islam phobic, etc etc. Assed and his self-styled anti-fascists are becoming more and more fascist as the days go on in their efforts to make people fear the reprisals of using free speech.
It’s time for this to stop – before Staffs Uni becomes the laughing stock of all the UK’s academic institutions.
you should be the president of our university mate, police stop people of they colour and religion more than other people in society. unless you have been through it then you cannot appreciate what it feels like to be a victim of stop and search or a better word black and Muslim.
enough respect to Assed stick it out mate.
Imran, I am a white english 21 year old – lived here all my life and guess what when I was on my way up to Stoke around 3 years ago I WAS STOPPED AND SEARCHED – IT IS RANDOM – GET OVER IT! I was innocently walking through Charing Cross train station listening to Coldplay when a police officer called me over – was I bothered – no I understand they have a job to do – to protect us from any threat that may exist. For pete sake please stop playing the poor muslim card – IT IS RANDOM I AM PROOF OF IT!
Has he heard himself, he doesnt know what he is on about.
seriously faith in this guy has gone completey with many people. For me i never had faith in him in the first place.
he needs to get his priorities striaght and start thinking about the students and not himself with his personal beliefs.
The full referenda process takes 8 weeks. However, this includes opening it up for students to submit items for referenda, and for consolidation of motions.
If Council decided to put a vote directly to the student body, it could go straight to a vote within a couple of weeks.
Surely if one student feels safer with a Police Officer (or Keith himself) in the Union, then their feelings should be respected as much as the one student who feels less safe with a Police Officer.
This entire issue seems to be one person who hates the police because they feel like they’re being watched. Keith clearly stated that obviously criminals are investigated, and allegations of criminal activity must be investigated, but certainly no racial profiling or pointless spying takes place.
The police have better things to do than spying on students; and students have bigger problems to worry about than a trusted, local Police Officer being on campus.
The idea of a police officer to have a pre-arranged meeting is ridiculous and extremely pedantic. Personally, I welcome the fact that the police are actively doing their job and by the Student Union not allowing an interview within three months is irresponsible and there should be active cooperation between the police on site and the SU.
Sort it out, the Student Union should get over themselves and let Keith do his job. Why be intimidated by the police Assed? It seems like you have tarred the entire police force with the same brush and by making assumptions about Keith Emery, Assed has been extremely narrow minded.
Well chaired and I am sure Assed ‘will take orders’ in his future employment, just as Keith does in his line of work.
Ah, Imran, you have said “police stop people of they colour and religion more than other people in society” – I think you are intending to say that they stop people because of their colour OR religion more than others? Or is the combination the important factor? Ok, so you’ve said it therefore it MUST be true, right?
If a police officer stops someone then they MUST, BY LAW fill out a stop and search form. There is a space on the form for the reason of the stop/search. I’m quite sure that it is not a valid reason to stop someone on the grounds of their colour. Yes, in fact I am perfectly sure (I do believe it would result in disciplinary action and most definitely dismissal).
So, where is it that you get these statistics from? Furthermore, how can ANYONE tell what someone’s religion is just by LOOKING at them? I don’t believe there are many religions that are immediately obvious just from someone’s outward appearance.
You are not helping your cause at all by posting drivel. I detest prejudice of any nature with a passion, but you’re hardly going to get people on your side if you post factually incorrect statements.
Assed made some good points when he was allowed to do so.
btw I’m white, English and female and I find police intimidating and am glad Assed has enforced Staffs police to leave the safe space free and safe.
And no PC Emmery I don’t have criminal intent.
Officially, University Police Officer’s are granted access to ALL areas of the campus. Since this is his role at Staffordshire University, he should be allowed to perform it in full. Due to the fact that Assed enjoys controversy and drama around him, it is not a surprise that he is taking such a harsh stand towards PC Keith Emery. Although the points made by him are controversial, as much of it sounded without basis of grounds.
There shouldn’t be anywhere in the country that a police officer has restricted access! A police officers role is to ensure the safety of the public and having an officers presence around the university gives most people a sence of security. Also, is it not the police who should enforce laws? They are the ones with authority not some over critical, naive student union president whos priorities seem to be elsewhere. This is a total insult to the police and their duties.
Police are human beings doing a job. Why would any law abiding citizen feel intimidated? This is utter nonsense. It’s disapointing and concerning for the students, publics safety and for the faith of the police. Officers should be able to go where they like! As for Assed, you and the student union should start doing your job and cooperate with authorities who care for others wellbeings. Never know,you may be able to pick up some tips! I don’t know Assed personaly but i think he must of gained his position with a raffle ticket!
Well well, it is nice to see peoples opinions when they have no idea of what it feels like to get a phone call or a knock on the door from police, that have no evidence, except that you are Muslim or Asian. Since the interview a student has come forward that was contacted by police and was also told that the information came from Staffs uni. Keith admitted that the officers that phoned me had said that the information had come from Keith.
the police are allowed into the space upstairs in case of an emergency there is no one stopping them, this is simply about the independence of the students union and not making people students feel uncomfortable. If we look around the rest of the country many other students unions have the same policy. We work closely with the police in all of our venues, in community projects and campaigns. Why are people kicking up so much of a fuss about the small area upstairs when the police have free access to the majority of our space?
I will leave people to get riled up. And if anyone wants the interview with the student that was contacted by the police and try and get an insight of how upsetting and intimidating it can be to have the police come to your door, then please come and see me and i can arrange an interview, not that it will change anyone’s mind. Unfortunately many people do not look at the situation but at the individual. You can hate me as much as you want, for my politics, personality or any other reason you want to bring up, it does not bother me in the slightest, I was a campaigner before I was president and will continue the struggle after I am president.
It is also interesting to note that the decision was taken by the union three months ago, why has the issue been bought up now? Slightly suspicious don’t you think? Conveniently as a small minority of students are seeking to remove me from office
What offends me is your opinion that an area is a ‘safe space’ when a police officer is banned from it
I am quite shocked that the police who are a public service to prevent crime and protect people of all nationality, race, religion, etc, have been banned from this “safe place”, it is the most ironic thing I think I have heard of in some time…
I would say the only people who have any reason to fear and dislike the police are criminals, or police hating paranoid people who stereotype the police as a tool in some imaginary fight to struggle against, lol.
That said though there is a presence about a police officer in uniform, I personally am glad of that presence and feel safer however I accept some may feel intimidated. Surely though instead of fueling this ignorance and banning the police how about allowing them to walk freely and interact with students, it is an opportunity to educate people about what they do and challenge that prejudice?
“Conveniently as a small minority of students are seeking to remove me from office”
Unfortunately, as your interview states, you have to listen to the minority. I have only just learned about this, and the whole BNP list issue and I have to say I am disgusted by it.
What happens to us students now that feel the police should be in that area? I know for sure I will now consider it less safe, there is no sense in it. I understand people can feel intimidated by the police, I do sometimes. A few students potentially ruining the safety of everyone else is wrong.
I wish this ‘minority’ every success as I feel you are not actually listening to the students of this university and are actually following your own believes.
Would it make a difference if the police officer was muslim ? Would a muslim police officer be allowed on the Union premises? Is the problem with the police as a whole or the individual police officer?
I find it pretty coincidental that the safe space which is no longer welcome for police is the place where Assed’s office is. Perhaps he is getting a little uncomfortable with that ‘instrument of the state’ he seems to be so opposed to! Just a thought.
In any case, Assed talks a whole load of rubbish in this interview, simple as. Keith is a great guy and I’m proud of the British police force as a whole, I’m so glad that Keith dedicates his life to us here at Staffs. This is clearly the president just trying to cause a fuss by throwing his power around for no reason whatsoever.
I love the fact that Assed’s whole argument is based on the fact that ONE student (who could not be named – coincidently!) was his entire reasoning for putting the safety of the rest of the students in Stoke at risk. Yes Assed, you do have a responsibility to look after all students, and therefore it is NOT a non-issue if a majority of students want Keith in the safe area, because it is what THEY want, not you. In this interview you made it pretty damn clear that you have a personal agenda against the police (and the ‘state’) as a whole, which is your own decision to have, but by enforcing this rule you are forcing this opinion upon the rest of the students who would rather him be there. The fact that you had a call from the police regarding terrorism has absolutely nothing to do with it, you obviously got offended by it and now you oppose having the police near you, so you lay down these rules which nobody else is in favour of – it’s all about you – where are your actions to stand up for what students really want? Denying the decisions of majorities is neither democratic or fair, in fact just making up rules in this way resembles a dictatorship. Okay, it’s a small rule, but your ignorance in regards to the want and needs of the students just puts everything the union and the university stands for in jeopardy.
This is preposterous. Police are not an instrument of the state. What an absolute idiot. The police and the law is something that NOTHING and NO-ONE is above. I am really happy with the way that the officer has conducted himself. He has shown how immature Assed is being, and the very limited knowledge he has. I am, quite frankly, disgusted with how Assed conducts himself 1. Discriminating against white people in some of his own articles 2. Ignoring what his students have to say 3. Putting his personal opinion before the interests of the students. I’m surprised the entire student populace hasn’t signed an official petition to have him removed.
Assed…..Would it be ok for a brown skinned, preferably Muslim police officer to enter the premises if necessary?
Mr Baig,
I voted to elect you in last year’s ballot, based on, what I found to be at the time, an extremely good campaign in terms of commitment.
This was largely, not solely, the reasoning into why I chose you, believing you would be the best and most committed choice in terms of listening to ALL students, and acting for the greater good on our behalf.
However, after reading in recent weeks some of the issues brought to light, I feel my vote has been conned from me.
Firstly, the police play a vital role in any community up and down the country, which should include that of the Students’ Union at Staffordshire University.
In my hometown of Chester, I have helped work with local police community support officers, local businesses, schools and the local youth club.
This was done to help drive down crime, instill confidence in having a recognisable, friendly and worthwhile presence in the local area, and in return helped bring a community together by acknowledging the hard work of those officers.
I will admit I have unfortunately never met PC Emery, but I am sure he is an approachable person who, if anyone at this university needed to do so, could be of use concerning a criminal offence.
In my experience (having worked with a great number of teenagers in the Chester area and building a relationship between the local force in an attempt to break down the stereotypical “Us versus Them” mindset) a presence within the Students’ Union offices can only add to the positive work that the SU sets out to achieve.
Secondly, I categorically believe the BNP’s policies are horrid and completely disagree with them. I would hope the majority of, if not all, those reading this would second my beliefs.
However, Mr Baig, your one man crusade against the BNP shocked me to the core.
I respect your views and your commitment in peaceful protest, but did you not think for just one second the possible repercussions your actions could have on students, the Students’ Union and the university as a whole?
The outrage caused when the members list first came to light surely must have been something you had thought about?
If you believed in the idea of freedom, you would let society have their right to believe what they will regardless. Those who were on that list in the Stoke area have not committed any crime.
What the BNP stands for, I feel is abhorrent, but I support a little idea called common sense, which if those who voted in recent European elections had actually read the policies of the BNP, would have undoubtedly looked further down the voting form and found a more worthy use of their vote. They won with disillusioned votes, made because they were first on the list, because the issue of immigration and lack of British identity at the time was high, and because political parties for most all seem the same.
If there was any retaliation from any extreme BNP supporters towards certain students and/or university buildings and events, I will be put off going to lectures.
And something tells me Mr Baig, that if because I value my own safety over my education, you won’t be reimbursing me when it comes to paying off my loan if such attacks were to happen.
Thirdly, whether this is slightly off topic, but you placing the members list on the Union site I see as being more likely to cause offence than my own website.
Which happened to be blocked from university computers halfway through Thursday morning.
http://www.opinionsarelikearseholes.com
Maybe it’s the “arseholes” causing the problem, but as it is a sporting opinion site, which will be monitored solely by me so as to not let through vulgar language or vicious personal attacks on groups of society, compared to a man who with complete disregard felt the need to post an article that has potentially put students in harm.
Well it really is beyond me!
As my website points out, opinions really are like arseholes Mr Baig.
Everyone has one.
But I feel that you have maybe abused your position of power, and have your own agenda now as president.
For your sake I hope you can get back on side with disillusioned students such as myself, and work to what you set out to originally do.
Assed, I do not support your reign of terror. Emery is king.
Keith made Assed sound like a complete idiot. Keith has facts to back everything up while Assed just quotes hearsay and opinion!
Also… I think Keith should just go and stand in that space anyway… Who are they going to call to remove him?? The police?!
How is banning a police officer from the Student Union unless with permission creating a safer place for students??? Where is the logic?
“I was a campaigner before I was president and will continue the struggle after I am president”
This pretty much sums you up Assed. You’re a campaigner using OUR Student’s Union as a vehicle to get yourself heard. You say you represent us students, so why not do that and stop getting off on this petty power trip and “kicking up so much of a fuss about the small area upstairs”, let Keith do his job and I’m sure students will be happier knowing that everywhere at OUR is a “safe place”.
The Police is an institution that is supposed to protect the public. They have admitted that they are institutionally racist. I have been stopped by Police officers many times going about my daily life. I have been pulled over by Police because the wheel touched the bus lane going around a bend. The Police are not required in that area unless there is an emergency. It is very unfair that you are unable to see the position of the innocent people who get victimised by the police and the bnp. I also suggest you look at the main profession of the bnp!!! There are very few if any minorities who want Assed out, maybe because for the first time they feel their rights protected. The Uni will be known as an anti racist Uni in a racist city “the crown of the bnp” Nick Griffin. The bnp terrorise vulnerable people because thats what terrorists do. Say NO to Terrorism Say No to the bnp.
Good interview. I do feel sorry for you guys having Assed as your SU President- paranoid, disillusioned, contradictory, immature and in a position of power- be afraid, be very afraid!
Only people with something to hide are afraid of the Police… all of a sudden a student liaison police officer- who comes across as friendly and professional- is branded as part of the counter terrorism unit!
As for this ‘safe space’ nonsense…safe from what! I’ve never heard of universities providing an asylum!
With this guy you cannot win- take a vote and he wants to represent to minority of that vote- wake up and smell the coffee Assed. You’re a small fish in a tiny pond and it seems YOU are intimidating the MAJORITY- how about doing your job as SU president properly or stand down
Assed has made himself sound ridiculous and pathetic, Keith should have every right to go into the union. As a student I would feel more intimated by this suggestion that there is apparent terrorism and yet now we have no police?. Assed has got all of his priorities wrong, he states that he wants all of his students voice herd. However he keeps claiming about protecting the minorities. To me it sounds like he wants to build an army of minorities against the police. I think the police have every right to have his phone number, he doesn’t sound like he can be trusted.
And as someone said previously, how would he feel about having only Muslim police officers? would that make people feel more “comfortable”?
Police are Police.
Intimidated by Police?
Why would you feel intimidated if you have done nothing wrong?
There are way to many problems at the University, not the BNP, I do not support them in anyway at all, this Assed just has opinions that are to big.
Assed is an idiot. He’s a racist himself. Did anyone else read his article last year about “whites” being the root of all evil. My point exactly. Let’s get rid of this idiot, who voted him in anyway!
OMG Is this a joke?? Why would keith not be alowed?? I’m sorry is keith not like the nicest guy who will only try and help students to feel safe in the shelton area. I love the way OUR so called president is representing the muslims, black comunnity and christian community. So what if I am not in any of these categories? He says he speaks for minorities, think i’m one of 3 students from holland at this university nobody ever asked me haha. I think this is ridiculous you would only not feel comfortable with the police if you have something to hide or indeed criminal intent. Assad says he represents students, I think he should review his opinion because I am sure he does not represent all students views. Specifically not mine.
This Assed guy sounds like a complete idiot, I’m from Brighton and if this guy was the president of my student union I’d feel pretty ashamed.
Police Officer Emery is doing a great job! The only people that must be intimidated by a PC on the site are people with something to hide. Assed u got OWNED
This is a joke , assed wont listen 2 what anyone else wants and is more concerned with his own beliefs , why cant we have the officer , im sure that nearly all the students would pefer a member of the police around.
yet again making it about himself . Assed Out
anyone have a copy of that article jon parker just mentioned (if it exists)could u post it link to it whateva
assed has some points minorities need to be stood up for
however i dont feel he allowed any of his views to be questioned as he repeatedly went off points being raised, often talking over people in the process
i would like to hear a debate in which he can be cut off in which i feel his views stand up to proper scrutiny as people get the chance to properly question his views as based on the above and things people have said, they clearly need to be questioned
im not even a student at this University, I just happened to come across this.
I am shocked at the attitude of this president and feel sorry for the students who are there.
I cant believe he wont let there be a student vote on this issue!
The interviewer was very good.
Assed does NOT represent the voice of the students.
Assed OUT.
It’s interesting i found how Assed kept repeating that police take orders but Assed apparently takes orders from nobody, and he uses his own personal beliefs to do whatever he wants he is on a total power trip your an su president man not the prime minister, give a little respect to the students you supposedly represent unlike monday night where you sat rolling your head and your eyes and looking bored every time someone disagreed with you, cutting people off and turning everything around to be about race, wake up and smell the coffee not everything in this world is about what colour your skin is!
This is a great Interview. All credit to the girl who conducted it.
If the University can’t realise Assed’s extreme views then the management of the university should consider their positions.
This is bringing the reputation of the University down and I am embarrassed and ashamed to be apart of the University.
I don’t pay £9,000 to be led by an extremist.
Jon Parker, Where can i find that article?
Thanks
A uniformed police officer banned from an area deemed as safe?
“Keith does some brilliant work”
“I feel intimidated by keith.. it’s because he’s a police officer.”
Rubbish
If i’m being attacked anywhere around the uni,the first thing I would do is to contact the police, they represent the law. I would not think to ask a staffs student (who are obviousy thought of as “safer” to be allowed in such a “safe space”) to arrest an attacker.
Assed’s regn of student presidency (aka terror) should come to an end and many think so. Surely someone causing such controversy and bad representation of the university should be stopped?
“Democracy is also about guaranteeing representation for the minority of students”
I’m very glad that we have a Students Union so devoted to fairness and equality, but it seems illogical and undemocratic to make policies and decisions based solely on the alleged views of a minority.
It is of course very important for our governing body to represent the entire student body, and so there are a selection of officers representing numerous different groups and minorities. I think Assed is acting as if he is an opposition candidate rather then the President, because he should be representing everybody at once.
As a Stafford campus student, the issue of PC Emery’s ban doesn’t affect me directly, but I think that this debate is really about whether or not the Union is proportionally representative of the views of students.
Assed and myself (and, I imagine, the majority of the country) share a hatred of the BNP, but there are plenty of voters around the country who disagree and would vote for them in an election. Imagine, though, that our government would start making policies based solely on these opinions, would that be democratic?
Assed needs to take a step back from his vendetta supporting minority opinion and rights, and remember that as president of the Students Union he should be impartially representing everybody. I am pretty sure that he would describe himself as being in a minority, and it is very easy to look at the current situation and accuse Mr. Baig of abusing his position of power to favour his own minority. I am scared that this will have a long-term damaging effect on the electability of other presidential candidates who are perceived as minority members.
The world was very excited when America elected its first black president, but if public opinion was that Barack Obama was ignoring the considerations of the majority how long do you think it would be before another black president was elected?
Please Assed, please take this into consideration, because you are risking causing long term damage to our political process.
Why would any student feel unsafe if a member of the police was around?
Keith has it right when he says the only people who feel uneasy around police are people who have something to hide!
Assed probably doesn’t have anything to hide, but it seems like he is trying to make everyone apart from himself look bad, even the police, who in my eyes do a brilliant job!
I have to say you dont have to be black, asian or indeed muslim to be discriminated against in this day and age.
I am married to an ‘Outlaw biker’ and a known associate of this part of society i have been subjected to on the spot (nearly) stripped searches (at the side of the motorway) rounded up and aressted just because of who i was in the company of, had my house raided at all hours of the day and night just because of my asscociation.
Gues what i’m white!
If you want to enlighten yourself regarding discrimination check out what is going on in Australia regarding the biker world!
Not all bikers are up to no good even if they are a member of a ‘Back Patch Club’, the same as not all asians/muslims are terrorists, the same as not all police officiers have hidden agendas.
Assed if you feel this strongly then set up your own society!
DONT ABUSE YOUR POSITION!
If you dont wish to deal with student issues that affect us ALL such as abolishing tution fees, then step down and let somebody who genuinly cares for the well being of ALL students take your place!
Shouldnt you be worrying about your education Assed, it’s what you are getting yourself into debt for? I can imagine, however, that because you are so “against the state” you are only at uni to doss about for as many years as possible and will never hold a job down as you dont like people telling you what to do, so you will end up living off the same “state”, which you are so apposed to.
This is a complete farce and makes me ashamed to have attended the same university as this uneducated fool. If the rest of the students care at all about the reputation of their university they will put a stop to this guy and his minority opinions.
There are many people to blame for how Assed is acting and those are the people who voted him in. We all knew before this mess started that Assed is a one man band wagon for what he considers racism when in fact he is a highly racist person himself as shown by the article that he wrote for GK News. He constantly feels as though everything is personal towards him…he completely disregards the fact that white british people can also cause acts of terrorism as he is just focused on the minority races.
He is a ridiculous man and i cannot believe that he is still allowed to force his views amongst the union…he is not the be all and end all of the students union and he should be removed from his position due to his backwards behaviour.
Keith Emery is merely doing his job, he is a police officer and his role with the university is to keep students safe and look after everyone…he has never once intimidated a member of the university, he is an extremely pleasant and kind man and i think that it is an incredulous comment to say that he makes people feel scared and uncomfortable within union areas.
People need to start taking some serious action about Assed and his behaviour. He is going to get Staffordshire University into some serious trouble if he carries on the way he does.
I am also shocked and appalled at the fact that he is instigating a public witch hunt on members of the BNP in the area through the union website. How was he allowed to do this? Is no one within the union paying attention to his actions? Are they not listening to the wishes of the students? Who supports this man?! No matter what people think about these people it is wrong to do this and will not promote the university or put them in a good light…it will cause angst amongst the community and cause issues for the students.
I am seriously glad that i graduated this year because i would hate to be associated with a students union who will not stand up to one of it’s own members when they themselves are behaving aggressively and in a domineering manner. This man should be removed now before everything begins to hit the fan.
I think the fact the police are not allowed there is stupid, and people should have no reason to be afraid of them, yes the world istn the best place to live in and shit happens ppl get wrongly imprisoned blah blah etc, 99.9 percent of students would like police up there and the fact assed is the small majority (like my self) he is pushin his view over the others which i personaly think is very selfish of him, if the police wanted to spy on the uni im sure theres better ways they could do it…..
he talks about democracy but when a majority favour somert its the majority u follow, if small things like this are pushed upon us now what will be pushed on us next oh Assed and the people he listens to (not us oviously) we aint allowed to use mobiles around the uni because the goverment could be listening? or not send a text around uni because it can be read….! stupid ideals and stupid people make stupid choices END OFF :)
p.s he kinda reminds me of bush pushing his ideas on america tbh
*yawn…* Change the record, Assed… There must be more to being president than forever bleating on about minorities and race issues.
I feel intimidated by Assed Baig.
I am a very small blonde person and i get discriminated against because of my height and hair colour.
Am i enough of a minority to warrent him being banned from the Union?
But seriously. I do feel intimidated by our Presedent. Does anyone feel like they can say things to him without having accusations of racism thrown back at them?
It always comes down to a race issue with Assed, and he will always bring it up when he is losing an argument.
Isn’t he elected by the ‘majority’?
So shouldn’t he stand up for that ‘majority’ that elected him. Even if he did only win by 6 votes!
The safe space is in PC Emery’s office. Bring on the next election!
Funny how Assed claims that a phonecall from the police could be highly distressing, and yet refuses to acknowledge that posting a link of local BNP members has any grounding for making students feel uncomfortable and unsafe.
If there is a vote on this subject, i and alot of others will vote for Assad to be removed… the information posted about BNP members is no better than if the names of other controversial groups (whether by race, belief or political views) were published…
last time i voted in a government election, my vote, as all others was done at my own privacy… no-one knows what i chose to vote, unless I decided to tell them…
if you choose to support the BNP or hate them, it is your choice, as with anything else… but to risk a witch-hunt of any group of people because of a breach of privacy and COMMON SENSE, is disgusting and could cause problems of tolerance within the local community!!!
and with regard to keith emery, top bloke, he has helped me through an incident where i was attacked by a non-student for simply being in the street…keith needs the students support to go about doing his job to the best of his ability, just as much as we need him to do that!
ASSED OUT!!!
Whilst Assed pig headedly believes that only a minority of students want him removed from his position, the level of unrest and disgust on this comment thread would appear to suggest otherwise!
I’ve also been randomly stopped by police before and guess what, i’m a white, English male. If people think they are being discriminated against, they should try being a Stoke City supporter at an away game and see what it is really like to be treated like a second class citizen!
I write this reply not just in utter outrage but also as a concerned student, at the lack of common sense of our student union’s president, who, might i add, has already being pushing the boundaries and has only his own beliefs at heart, need we all forget of his recent actions, against and concerning, a certain political parties group members post on the internet for all to see. This ladies and gentlemen is a not only a breach of personal privacy but a abuse of his status within this university.
Word reaches me that now the president of the union has banned a police presence within the confinds of the student union after a 6 year close relationship with the force and Keith Emery, are we to assume that these past 6 years have been an utter waste of time or has the President got something to hide?
It seems to me ladies and gentlemen that i would propose these questions and more to the president himself, in person if needs be, i also feel that his allegations towards Keith Emery are totally unjustified, and without concrete evidence are fabrication of his own woven fantasy’s.
I would ask ALL students and the Union itself to consider if this is the way they wish to be represented, or do u wish to vote for someone who has the right to fight for everyone’s belief’s. As many before have suggested, i also sign my name on the dotted line and commit to this cause, i am in fact calling for A Student Presidential Re-election.
What happened to our uni :(
I voted for Assed but now I just want the guy out. I didn’t vote for Assed to be a muslim activist, I voted for him to represent the students at Staffordshire University.
If Assed see’s this he needs to realise that democracy involves MAJORITY RULE. The MAJORITY of students want want police to be able to get reasonable access to student union premises.
Assed has done nothing but use his position as president to force across his own point of view and anyone who disagrees with him is branded as a racist, facist, or a puppet of racist organisations.
When it comes to complaints that counter-terrorism officers have been contacting students, just what kind of message does it put across if Assed then turns around and tells the police that they must pre-arrange visits to the premises above the Ember Lounge?
If Keith needed to enter any building for any policing reason Keith could enter the building with the relevent paper work just as the police can enter a house.
Also i belive the union space is owned by the University and doesn’t that mean Assed has no right to restrict access?
woah woah woahhhhhhhh shouldn’t the minority have a voice? Kate the uneducated fool is just at a shit university just like yourself which is why you’re spewing such rubbish out.
P/s This is not about the discrminiation each and everyone have you recieved so save your sob stories.
Vincent, I think the main points here are that Assed should be focusing on main student issues.
He is just using his position to air his own personal views.
I have no problem with that, just not through the Union in such a way as this! I think that’s what he cannot understand. It’s like he wants us all to join with him like Robin Hood and his Merry Men, and do something about it.
Credit to him in wanting to try, but as SU President, in his role he should be asking students on a weekly, if not daily, basis what they need help with pushing through to get the best education possible.
Matters concerning racism, or safety should be dealt with by the police. The same police that Assed has said must make a prior appointment with.
In essence, if Assed’s got a problem, unless “The Special One” himself can’t solve it on his own, which he won’t, then he thinks he can have the police at his beck and call.
Fat chance now after the way he’s treated Keith.
He’s attempting to put himself above the law, in a society where that cannot happen. He has no legal right to do such a thing.
A minority view shouldn’t be discredited, but there are better ways to solve the problem rather than nit-picking through previous outdated policies and twisting it to suit his own beliefs.
Assed maintains that he doesn’t want the police around because some students feel intimidated by their presence. What about those students who feel intimidated by Assed and his cronies – who represents those students who just happen to be the majority and disagree with him – are they all racists as he apparently seems to think.
More importantly – who gave Assed the right to use the Student Union as his own personal political platform? The student body should have the right to remove him from his position since he no longer represents the student body. He should do the decent thing and step down and try his luck in real politics.
who is actually going to remove keith from the “safe” space .. the police? oh wait.. they are not allowed there are they..
as for his phone number…
if he is our PRESIDENT and wants to listen to “his” students we should be entitled to contact him using his phone number in order for him to listen to us, it comes with the whole package of being president, and as for saying Keith gave out his number, i’m sure any person who was good with the internet could find that out, it doesn’t take a magician to work out how you can get people’s details.
i think weather the police as whole should be allowed in the student space should be down to a vote. not down to an anti police president..
he cant seem to answer any of the questions straight up, he has to change it around and then goes off about the bnp, this wasent about the bnp this was about Keith not being allowed in the student space..
he is causing more trouble for himself and he’s digging a very very deep hole.. half of the university students are already aganist him.
so what’s he going to do next ? stop making the university look rubbish, your the president your make to make us look good, and help students [and I don’t mean just your little followers, I mean every student, that is who you represent, EVERY STUDENT
Assed be a real president and focus on THE STUDENT views not your own!!!
or maybe you should QUIT as president..
There’s a TV interview of Assed defending his BNP list and Police exclusion decision on its way to the site very soon.
What’s the big deal. There is a certain space in the student union where police are not allowed. Get over it. The key point is that this is not the SU President setting a new rule but enforcing an existing one.
The atmosphere in Britain has clearly changed over the last ten years. Minorities, especially Muslims, will feel this more than any Tom, Dick or Harry. The SU President has a duty of care to these minorities.
Stick in there Assed.
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