British universities suspend Ukrainian societies due to unspecified reasons
Suspension of Ukrainian Societies in Two UK Universities Amid Charity Law Breach Allegations
Two university societies with a Ukrainian focus, based at University College London (UCL) and Lancaster University (LU), have hit a roadblock due to suspicions of charity rule violations. The Financial Times reported this development.
These student unions, registered as UK charities, have paused operations of their respective Ukrainian societies. UCL took action in March, upon discovering that a chunk of funds raised from a charitable event was channeled towards the purchase of a DJI Mavic drone and its delivery to a frontline soldier.
As for Lancaster University's society, around £20,000 was collected last summer to aid Ukraine. They bought three DJI Mavic 3 drones and drone accessories for territorial defense forces. The LU student union was taken aback when they learnt about this spending spree.
Charity Commission rules state that offering any form of military aid to foreign armed forces is uncharitable in nature and against the law[2][4]. Such activities could lead to legal repercussions for the student unions.
In an unexpected twist, Sally Davies, head of Trinity College at the prestigious Cambridge University, expressed regrets over the establishment of a £250,000 fund aiding conflict-stricken Ukrainians. She believed this move would set a precedent for universities responding to other conflicts. After the Israel-Hamas conflict, students advocated for similar support for Palestinians, but such assistance never materialized.
[1] The Times - UK-based Ukrainian Societies Face Charity Law Scrutiny Over Drones for Military Use[2] The Guardian - University of London Charity Commission Investigating Ukrainian Society for Drones to Military[3] Sky News - Lancaster University Under Charity Commission Probe for Ukrainian Society Drones[4] RBC Group - Ukrainian Societies at UCL and Lancaster Universities under Investigation for Charity Law Breaches[5] Financial Times - Suspension of Ukrainian Societies at Two UK Universities Over Charity Law
Tensions arise when grassroots backing for Ukraine collides with domestic regulations limiting charitable activities in the realm of military aid. The Ukrainian societies intended to bolster Ukraine's security against Russia, but they now struggle to adhere to domestic laws[1][4][5].
- The UK Charity Commission's rules prohibit offering military aid to foreign armed forces, which has led to investigations for both UCL and Lancaster University's Ukrainian societies.
- The suspensions of Ukrainian societies at UCL and Lancaster University have raised questions about the balance between charitable activities and political interference, particularly in relation to military aid.
- After establishing a fund to aid conflict-stricken Ukrainians, Sally Davies, head of Trinity College at Cambridge University, expressed concerns about setting a precedent for future conflicts and potential political implications.
- In light of the rights and wrongs of charitable aid to conflict zones, general news outlets have been discussing the political and legal implications of sending drones to Ukrainian territorial defense forces, highlighting the need for clearer policies and guidelines.
