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I want all Jews to feel welcome at UCL

I know that the Jewish community needs action as well as words, writes UCL President and Provost Michael Spence

March 18, 2021 13:02
Vice Chancellor Dr Michael Spence GettyImages-620685656
King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands (2nd R) and Queen Maxima (L) stand outside the Great Hall of the University of Sydney with Chancellor Belinda Hutchinson (2nd L) and Vice Chancellor Dr Michael Spence in Sydney on November 3, 2016. / AFP / POOL / PETER PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP via Getty Images)
2 min read

For someone who has just taken a senior leadership role at one of the world’s leading universities, the CST report into campus antisemitism made for essential reading.

While it found that the vast majority of Jewish students have a strongly positive experience on campus, antisemitism is on the rise and more needs to be done to ensure universities are safe and welcoming places.

It makes important recommendations, including improved reporting processes for complaints and for universities to adopt the IHRA working definition of antisemitism.

UCL was one of the first universities to adopt IHRA in 2019. Our governing council passed this by an overwhelming majority with two additional caveats recommended by the Home Affairs Select Committee. By doing so, we sent a strong message that we are committed to addressing antisemitism.