Open University Student Union Leaves National Association After Years of Dispute

The Student Union of the Open University has officially announced its withdrawal from the National Union of Students, following years of internal conflict. The decision, ratified by the union's council and communicated by its chairwoman, Mai Hangel, stems from a deep crisis of confidence over three main issues: the representation afforded to Open University students relative to their financial contributions, the union's priorities and resource allocation, and its internal organizational culture.

A central point of contention is a significant disparity in how students are counted. The Open University's union represents approximately 46,000 to 47,000 students, contributing around half a million shekels annually to the national union. However, for determining voting power and influence within the association, a formula is applied that counts a substantially lower number of students. "The meaning is simple: when collecting money, Open University students are counted in full. When distributing power and influence, they are counted partially," stated the union.

Attempts to rectify this situation over the years, including appeals to the national union's management and bylaws committee, have reportedly been unsuccessful. The union also criticizes the national body for what it perceives as an excessive focus on internal political struggles and organizational maneuvering, diverting resources from core student issues like academic rights, cost of living, and welfare.

Further exacerbating the crisis is the union's concern over the national association's alleged blurring of lines between representing student interests and engaging in controversial political discourse. Specifically, the union cites an approved budget of 182,000 shekels for a campaign on the draft law, which it views as an inappropriate use of student funds for political messaging. The union emphasizes its support for equal burden-sharing but questions the mandate for a representative body funded by all students to engage in political advocacy.

Adding to the dispute was a personal incident where Hangel reported an offensive remark made within the national union's presidency, which she described as a threat to her safety and that of her family. This led her to file a police complaint and approach relevant authorities, but she felt the response did not restore her sense of security. Hangel characterized this as crossing a "basic human line."

"We tried to change things from within for years," Hangel stated, emphasizing that the decision was not made lightly. "My responsibility is first and foremost to the tens of thousands of students I represent. I cannot explain to a student that when money is collected from him, he is counted in full, but when the moment comes to give him power and influence, he is worth less. Nearly half a million shekels a year is student money. Their money and their voice are not up for grabs."