Queen Mary Islamic Society criticises press for reporting on the ‘minute’ incident of its suspension amid Donald Trump controversy

'If it's about Muslims, nothing is too small to report,' says the society of its suspension, instead, focusing on Donald Trump who is rallying 'millions of people behind his message to ban Muslims from America'

The society, pictured, observing a Qur'an Week in March (Queen Mary Islamic Society/Facebook)

The Islamic Society (ISoc) at the Queen Mary University of London has hit out at the press’ reporting of its suspension, accusing the media of “reporting on the most minute of matters” during the Donald Trump controversy.

Shortly after its suspension began to attract attention, the ISoc took to Facebook to hit out at the media’s coverage of the incident.

Acknowledging how it has recently featured in several national newspapers, the statement said: “Before we even analyse what was written, we must ask, was it a slow news day?

“What is so important about a student society that requires national media coverage? Unless, of course, the student society is Muslim.”

While Donald Trump can “rally millions of people behind his message to ban Muslims from America,” continued the statement, the ISoc accused the UK’s newspapers of “reporting on the most minute of matters,” and added: “Evidently, if it's about Muslims, nothing is too small to report.”

The ISoc was responding to the incident of its suspension when, on 6 December, the group took to its Facebook page to describe how there had been “much confusion” regarding the situation of the ISoc, adding it also noticed many people speaking on behalf of the society and, at times, “saying things which are incorrect.”

The university told the Independent in a statement: “Queen Mary University of London students’ union has suspended the Islamic society (ISoc) while it investigates claims ISoc breached agreed protocols and procedures.

“These include the use of university facilities, room bookings, and event promotion. Further information will be available following the conclusion of the investigation.”

In an attempt to “clear some of the hysteria,” the rest of the original ISoc statement read: “It is with a heavy heart and deep sorrow that we regret to inform you that the Queen Mary Islamic Society has been temporarily suspended.

“This suspension comes as a result of allegations, many of which we are still unclear about. We are working with the SU to gain better clarity on these issues in hopes of putting this matter to rest.

“The ISoc is currently appealing this decision and can hopefully resolve any issues to allow the great work to continue.”

Also according to the ISoc, the press has “dragged up incidents from the past” which are “completely irrelevant to the current investigation.”

In August, The Docklands and East London Advertiser claimed that, following an investigation by the Student Rights group, the university had been described by the group as among the “worst offenders” for hosting events involving extremist speakers at its Mile End Road campus.

The news about Queen Mary’s ISoc has come just days after the Goldsmiths ISoc’s president made the decision to resign from his post allegedly after homophobic messages were posted on his Twitter account about the Channel 4 documentary Muslim Drag Queens.

The president of the Queen Mary Students’ Union, Carolina Mantzalos, told the Independent in a statement the union is currently looking into claims ISoc has “broken some of the rules associated with running a students’ union society.”

She said: “These rules apply to all societies and student groups and cover things like room bookings, event advertising, and use of facilities.

“The SU is keen to resolve this investigation quickly to ensure that ISoc are able to resume their activities for their members.”