- Mahamed Abdullahi, student union welfare officer, called song 'outdated'
- Comments were called 'petulant and disrespectful' by his fellow students
- But King's College London bosses are 'in discussion' about use of anthem
Mahamed Abdullahi, from King's College London Students' Union, called the traditional rendition of God Save The Queen 'outdated'
A student union welfare officer has called for the National Anthem to be removed from a leading university's graduation ceremony because of 'increasing far right nationalism'.
Mahamed Abdullahi, from King's College London Students' Union, called the traditional rendition of God Save The Queen 'outdated'.
Although the suggestion was dismissed as 'petulant and disrespectful' by fellow students, the university management admitted it was 'in discussion' about the use of the song.
In an expletive-laden Facebook post, Mr Abdullahi wrote: 'I want to get rid of the national anthem at graduation because it's outdated and not reflective of the "global" values the college espouses.
'In the context of increasing far right nationalism across Europe and the legacy of the British empire, it's just a bit s*** and it doesn't even bang. Basically, f*** the nation state.'
His comments led to a petition to keep the anthem from James Findon, a member of KCL's Conservative Association.
In an expletive-laden Facebook post, Mr Abdullahi wrote: 'I want to get rid of the national anthem at graduation because it's outdated and not reflective of the "global" values'
He told MailOnline: 'We are a global university with global values.
These two facts are not in conflict.
'We can be proud of our traditional British roots and celebrate our global values.'
King's College London was founded in 1829 under the patronage of King George IV. It plays God Save The Queen towards the end of graduation ceremonies.
Mr Abdullahi studied Geography as a postgraduate.
His interests are described in an online profile as 'the intersection of race and gender as well as class, disability and sexuality'.
In his manifesto to become Vice President for Welfare and Community, Mr Abdullahi called the government's anti-terror strategy Prevent 'racist' and said he wanted to 'decolonise' the curriculum.
Mr Findon, 26, who is studying for a PhD in neuroscience, argued that removing God Save The Queen would not help solve discrimination.
'Campaigning to remove a song from the final section of our graduation ceremonies is to ignore the real issues facing students on a daily basis.
'Also, it is an embarrassing reflection on students at King's that one of our elected officers has resorted to such a petulant and disrespectful outburst on social media with so many expletives.'
Mr Abdullahi, who was born in Denmark, studied for an undergraduate degree at the University of Reading.
KCL plays God Save The Queen towards the end of graduation ceremonies
Alex Sansom, 22, who is studying for a MA in politics, called on him to 'respect the traditions of the university'.
He told MailOnline: 'It is deeply worrying that an elected student representative should promote his own political agenda with such a lack of respect for the traditions of the university, particularly on an issue of historic and cultural salience.
'For someone who condemns issues that divide us, it is bizarre that the VP should criticise the nation state - the ultimate institution to promote and enable unity amongst us.'
A spokesperson from King’s College London said: ‘We are always open to feedback from students, staff and alumni and are currently in discussion with KCLSU student officers about various elements of the ceremonies, including the use of the National Anthem.
'Feedback from all members of the King’s community will be used in planning the next set of ceremonies.'
When contacted by MailOnline, Mr Abdullahi said he did not want to comment. He later changed his name on Facebook.
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