NORTHERN Ireland students have warned that some predominantly unionist colleges may leave the Union of Students in Ireland following the passing of a motion condemning the treatment of Ms Roisin McAliskey by British authorities.
Mr Ciaran Hanna, of the North East Institute, Ballymena, Co Antrim, said the resolution could have "profound implications" in colleges across the North. He said it would be more difficult to encourage more Northern colleges to join USI.
"I'm from a nationalist background, but I have to represent 10,000 students, three quarters of whom are unionist. They won't be happy at all with this," he said.
The motion describes Ms McAliskey's treatment as a blatant abuse of human rights. It calls on the British government "to instantly cease the practice of strip searching, and provide the necessary guarantees for the well being of Roisin and her child".
It also urges the Government "to intervene on behalf of Roisin McAliskey and demand her release from Holloway".
USI education officer Mr Malcolm Byrne said the motion would cause division in Northern colleges.
"The reality is that certain groups will exploit this for their own ends," he said.
Other Northern delegates spoke on the issue in a heated one hour debate. It was claimed it would undermine unionist confidence in USI's impartiality and discourage people from becoming involved in third level cross community work.
Fears were also raised that splinter unions might emerge at some colleges.
It was claimed at least two colleges would disaffiliate from the USI if the motion were passed.
Among the motion's supporters was USI president Mr Colman Byrne, who said the union should not shy away from controversial issues.
"Yes, some people will exploit the motion. But do we let people who exploit issues dictate to us?" he asked.
"We're not talking about a political issue, we're talking about a human rights issue."
He added that the motion would not affect the USI's community relations programme.
The motion was carried by a large majority. Ms McAliskey (25), who is seven months pregnant, is a graduate of Queen's University, Belfast, and a former USI activist.
