Warwick Tories to be restored after conclusion of ‘Nazi anthem’ investigation

The Warwick Conservative Association is set to have its society status restored after the conclusion of an investigation into wrongdoing, The Boar can reveal.

The outcome comes nearly three months after the society was suspended by the Warwick Students’ Union (SU), after leaked footage showed attendees singing a ‘Nazi anthem’ at the society’s end-of-year ball.

It is expected the Warwick Tories will be reinstated as soon as this week, in time for scheduled Welcome Week events by the society.

Sanctions have been imposed on the society by the SU, though a spokesperson would not elaborate as to the specifics of the penalties. The University has processed allegations against specific individuals.

We are grateful to the University of Warwick and Warwick Students’ Union for their thorough investigation

Warwick University Conservative Association

In a statement given to The Boar, the society said it was “pleased” their suspension had been lifted, and that: “We are grateful to the University of Warwick and Warwick Students’ Union for their thorough investigation.”

The decision to restore the group is one that will undoubtedly generate controversy from some student groups.

Since the society’s suspension, an online campaign, Disband the Warwick Tories, has attracted the support of over 100 campus societies and student groups. Its manifesto on Instagram called for the SU to take “decisive action against the spread of fascism on campus” by dissolving the group.

Responding to the investigation’s outcome, the group released a new statement headlined ‘THE WARWICK TORIES DIDN’T GET DISBANDED / WTF.’ It continued: “It is appalling and completely unacceptable that the Warwick Tories have not been disbanded, or even suspended for a significant amount of time.”

In its statement to The Boar, the Warwick Conservative Association apologised “unreservedly for the offence and distress caused by the conduct of former members at our event on 15th June.”

They continued: “We have always been unequivocal that such behaviour will never be tolerated in the UWCA. Action has been taken to ensure that those responsible are excluded from becoming members or participating in future events. We are committed to combating all forms of antisemitism and will work to promote education of the issue within the UWCA and across campus.”

The Union convened a Complaints Panel […] and went further than the recommended actions, imposing sanctions that we believe will educate, and eradicate a culture where such an incident went unchallenged on the night

Warwick SU

A spokesperson speaking on behalf of the SU told The Boar that: “The findings of the investigation and recommendations in the report remain confidential. Individuals identified have either had allegations proven or not, and in one case, the investigation is ongoing.”

They subsequently took on a harder line, noting that: “From a society aspect, the Union convened a Complaints Panel, took on board the impact on the wider student membership and other societies, and went further than the recommended actions, imposing sanctions that we believe will educate, and eradicate a culture where such an incident went unchallenged on the night.

“The SU does not condone any form of discrimination and stands for inclusion and community. The findings in the report do not reflect our values and we strongly condemn all racist and antisemitic actions that have taken place.”