The National Union of Students has called on a Birmingham college to reinstate two students it claims have been suspended for criticising management. Assed Baig, aged 24 and Darrel Williams, aged 21, were apprehended by security guards at Matthew Boulton College's new £40 million city centre campus. The "underground" pamphlet, called The Guerilla, attacked the college's policy on banning religious groups and also highlighted "rude security guards". The college has confiscated the students' identity cards, claiming they have breached their "learning agreement" by distributing the publication. But the NUS labelled bosses at the college "reactionary" and claimed the students were merely exercising their right to free speech. The college, based on Jennens Road, refused to comment on the case. But principal Christine Braddock said: "If we have any students suspended we would be taking them through due process." She said the college was meeting with the students this week in an attempt to resolve the issue. Mr Williams, aged 21, said: "There are a few policies at the college that we tried to make clear we don't feel are correct. "There are some Muslim students who would like a prayer room and a society to express their needs. But the college said they won't allow any religious societies. "We thought that was strange because other colleges have this kind of thing so we wrote an article on that." The NUS has written to Ms Braddock demanding the two students, who are on access to higher education courses, be allowed back to finish their studies. Joe Rooney, area convenor for training and development at the NUS, said: "If students aren't allowed to challenge their college in a positive way there is something wrong. "I think they should be commended not condemned. It is a long and proud tradition of the student movement to say when things are not as they should be. "I don't think the leaflet said anything untoward or offensive." The NUS claimed it was told by the college that the suspensions were not a student union issue. But Mr Rooney said: "The curtailment of freedom of speech of two students is definitely a student union issue. "They are not being allowed into the building and speak to tutors so if they want to apply to university they will have to wait another year. We are going to do everything we can do get them reinstated." The banned newsletter accuses the college of acting against the principles of British society by not allowing "individuals to practice and express their beliefs". It said: "Societies are formed for the sole purpose of catering for the needs of certain groups, be they the women of a women's society, or the Muslims of an Islamic society. "The college doesn't seem to have a problem with allowing a film society so why would a religious one be any different?"..SUPL: | 
