The University of Adelaide’s student union YouX is facing scrutiny after its Clubs Committee voted against affiliating the Hindu Youth Association, a proposed group seeking to create a space for Hindu students on campus.
Minutes from the 24 June meeting confirm that three committee members, Merlin Wang, Aiden Wang and Jiexun Yu, voted to reject the group’s expression of interest. The sole vote in favour came from Billy Z, who has since confirmed that no representative from the club or the broader Hindu student community was present at the time of the decision.
The club’s application, submitted by student Jenil Patel, described a group grounded in cultural and spiritual values, with plans for prayer sessions, volunteer work, philosophical discussions and service-based activities. The group noted that it would not function as a social or entertainment club and would avoid alcohol, meat and eggs in all its events.
Despite this, the application was rejected. Some committee members cited concerns over “crossover” with the existing Adelaide Indian Student Society. One member argued that Hinduism was based on Indian culture and that the overlap made a separate club redundant. Others pointed to an upcoming merger between YouX and other student organisations, suggesting new club approvals should be paused. However, several other clubs were approved at the same meeting, including the Wine Club, the Juggling Club and the Adelaide Animal Science Association, all without dissent.
The minutes record a pointed debate. Tony Gunn argued, “It would be remiss to reject an application for a religious club based on this. The existence of this club will not weaken the status of any existing clubs, and it’s a double standard to approve the multiple Christian denomination clubs only to reject this one.”
Billy said, “There is a large Hindu diaspora across the world who do not necessarily identify as Indian. Rejecting based on there being a large Indian population who are also Hindu sets a dangerous precedent.”
Jiexun Yu responded, “Hindu religion is based on Indian culture, it’s a large crossover.” Merlin Wang said, “We shouldn’t be approving any expressions of interest going into the merger.”
Billy moved to accept the application, but no one seconded the motion. The vote was defeated with dissent from Aiden Wang, Merlin Wang and Jiexun Yu.
Billy later told The Indian Sun that the formal reason communicated to the applicants was similarity to the Indian Students Society. At the time of publishing, YouX had not released a public statement.
The decision has drawn disappointment from students and observers. Agrani, a recent graduate and former board member at the University of South Australia’s student association, said the move sends a troubling message.
“Yes, I have heard of the incident, and I am very disappointed that even in such progressive times there is such a level of discouragement in someone trying to express and share their religious beliefs,” she said.
“With a university that has a substantial number of international students, this raises a concern that maybe equal representation and acknowledgement of diversity is not YouX’s priority or even what they care about at all. I am concerned that this may be so disappointing for all the Hindu students as they may feel they don’t belong here.”
Agrani contrasted her experience at UniSA. “There are various different religious and cultural clubs at UniSA, including the Hindu Club, and they have been supported at all steps. I never once felt like there was discrimination. But with this incident, I am not going to say the same about YouX.”
She added that when she first arrived in Australia, discovering Hindu and Indian clubs on campus gave her a sense of comfort. “It meant I didn’t have to suffer alone. Having such space means new students can find the first place to make friends in their universities.”
Asked what message the rejection sends, Agrani said, “That you are alone. We won’t support you if you have religious belief. If you belong to other religion, sure you are welcome, but Hinduism, no.”
YouX’s policies emphasise diversity and inclusion, though this decision has prompted questions among some students.
The Hindu Youth Association’s expression of interest stated that the group would focus on cultural understanding, service and the values of Hinduism in modern life. It stressed that the club would be non-political and distinct from broader cultural societies.
Some students may hope the decision is revisited in future meetings, given the concerns raised. Others have called for clearer guidelines on the approval of religious and cultural clubs to avoid similar outcomes.
If you’re a student at the University of Adelaide and would like to share your views on this story, you can write to us at office@indiansun.com.au
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🚨 @UniofAdelaide rejects Hindu Youth Association club bid, citing overlap with Indian society. 🏛️ Decision sparks concerns over religious #discrimination on #campus. Other clubs approved at same meeting. #Students express disappointment. #TheIndianSun
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