The Student Union (SU) has released a statement apologising to former president Danial Hussain for “fail[ing] in its responsibilities, and in particular its duty of care” following an independent report. The apology comes after Hussain’s suspension last year over allegations the report finds “unfounded” and that the period of suspension was “not warranted”.
Hussain was initially suspended in summer last year, reinstated after the complaint was dismissed, and then suspended again in November, following a complaint that he shared pornographic material to SU staff via Google Drive. The report finds the allegations against Hussain to be “unfounded and unsupported by evidence (as confirmed by the investigation carried out at the time)” and the following suspension being “not warranted in the circumstances”. Hussain should have been allowed to return to his role, it stated.
In a statement, Hussain said: “I had to overcome constant unprofessional, hostile, and discriminatory behaviour from those within the organisation intent on discrediting my leadership…I am proud to have persisted despite these challenges and to have succeeded in both bringing about reform to the SU by spearheading a root and branch transformation and in delivering meaningful change to Oxford by publishing the College Disparities Report.”
The report described the failure as accumulated by the SU as a whole instead of by individuals, and that “had a significant and negative impact on Mr Hussain and his wellbeing”. In particular, it highlights the “publication of media articles containing sensitive, confidential but incomplete information about internal HR processes”.
The SU declined to comment throughout the investigation period, nor when Hussain was reinstated as President in February, stating that they “do not comment on confidential HR matters”.
The statement goes on to acknowledge the effect on Hussain, saying that he “did not receive the level of support he should have received” and thanking him for the significance of the work he did whilst in office. Initiatives such as diversity unconscious bias training, clarity about people’s roles, relationships and responsibilities, and support for elected officers in their roles that will be implemented as a result of the report.
At the time of Hussain’s suspension, he said that a “thorough and fair examination will clear me of any wrongdoing”, and was reinstated in his role after four months of suspension with pay.
Hussain faced backlash during and after his suspension. The incident was referenced in Corpus Christi JCR’s motion to formally disaffiliate from the SU, stating that “the SU is marred by controversy”. His absence from the role was referenced during the most recent elections for President, as one candidate ran on a platform of an “empty chair”, as “the SU is currently running just fine without anyone fulfilling the role of SU President.”
Here’s the full text to Hussain’s statement:
I acknowledge the apology from the Oxford Students’ Union (SU) for its failure and mistreatment of me and commitment to introduce equality and diversity training. This is a first step, but further change is still needed.
For years the Oxford SU has been perceived as a failed organisation unresponsive to students’ needs. I was elected with a clear mandate for reform and drive meaningful change. However, I was appalled to face internal obstruction against increasing accountability, effectiveness and transparency; the very changes that students demanded from their SU. Worse, I had to overcome constant unprofessional, hostile, and discriminatory behaviour from those within the organisation intent on discrediting my leadership.
I am proud to have persisted despite these challenges and to have succeeded in both bringing about reform to the SU by spearheading a root and branch transformation and in delivering meaningful change to Oxford by publishing the College Disparities Report.
I am grateful to all who believed in me and supported my efforts throughout this difficult period, and who enabled me to implement reform in the interest of all Oxford students.
