Students at Greenhead College in Huddersfield have raised formal concerns about the attendance of the Royal Air Force (RAF) and other military organisations at the college’s careers events, starting a broader conversation around political neutrality, safeguarding, and the role of educational institutions in multicultural communities.
In a letter addressed to college leadership, governors, and student association representatives on 19 June, the students questioned the appropriateness of inviting military groups to career fairs. The letter cited both recent and historic involvement of the British armed forces in international conflicts, including in Iraq, Afghanistan, and more recently, the supply of F-35 jet parts to Israel amid the conflict in Gaza.
The letter expressed particular concern for Greenhead College’s diverse student body, noting that many students come from backgrounds or countries affected by British military involvement. “For these students,” the letter reads, “the presence of military recruiters on campus is not simply a neutral offering of career advice; it is a reminder of trauma, injustice, and a lack of accountability.”
The student also referred to precedents set by institutions such as University College London and certain Scottish councils, which have restricted or banned military recruitment at educational events on ethical grounds.
A follow-up meeting between the student, the college principal, and the vice principal took place on 20 June. According to the student, the meeting was called with less than three hours’ notice and lasted under ten minutes. In a second letter sent on 23 June, a student described the meeting as “disrespectful,” claiming he was warned not to object to the RAF’s presence and told that “any incidents” during the fair would be “followed up.”
In an interview with Asian Standard, the individual, who is also a representative of the group Peoples Alliance for Change and Equality (PACE) requested anonymity, said they found out about the issue from concerned students and wanted to support them in having their voices heard. The student has asked not to be named.
“I wasn’t expecting agreement necessarily, but I did expect my concerns to be acknowledged seriously,” the PACE representative said. “Instead, I was told not to speak to others about it and warned about the consequences if anything happened.”
They also said they were asked whether the letter had been generated using artificial intelligence, a question they found irrelevant. “It felt like the focus was on discrediting the letter rather than addressing the content.”
In response to a request for comment, Principal Mo Bunter told Asian Standard:
“Greenhead College is politically neutral. We provide impartial Careers Information Advice and Guidance to all students and respect their right to protest peacefully.”
While college leaders reportedly told the student that they are legally required to include military providers, the Department for Education’s May 2025 Careers Guidance states that schools and colleges retain discretion over which external organisations are invited, particularly where ethical or safeguarding concerns are raised.
In a statement provided to Asian Standard, PACE said:
“The presence of British military recruiters at schools and colleges reflects an alarming trend of militarisation, particularly in the context of conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan. Armed forces should have no place in our education system.”
Another PACE spokesperson added:
“Greenhead College is a diverse community, but the mass slaughter in Gaza has a direct and catastrophic impact on our local communities. The military’s presence at the Careers Fair is disrespectful and immoral. They should be banned from attending college events.”
Greenhead College is situated in Huddersfield, part of the Kirklees district one of the most ethnically diverse local authority areas in the country. The situation has raised wider questions about how educational institutions engage with external organisations in multicultural settings.
