The Union of Jewish Students and Bristol JSoc have accused Bristol University of refusing to discuss what further action it will take in the case of Professor David Miller, the notorious lecturer who has been the subject of a pending investigation since March after he labelled Jewish student societies “pawns” of Israel.
The two Jewish student groups met the vice-chancellor of Bristol University, Professor Hugh Brady, this week to discuss its "failure to provide basic duty of care to its Jewish students with regards to Professor Miller.”
UJS and Bristol JSoc said the meeting was unsuccessful and they accused the university of "remaining silent on when a decision would be made".
This week @BristolJsoc and UJS met with the Vice-Chancellor of @BristolUni, Professor Hugh Brady, to discuss its failure to provide basic duty of care to its Jewish students in regards to Professor Miller.
— Union of Jewish Students (@UJS_UK) July 28, 2021
In March 2021, the university said it would probe Professor Miller after he called for the “end” of Zionism and accused Jewish students at Bristol of being “pawns” of Israel. Only weeks later he appeared to be back at work.
His comments and the complaints by Jewish students who said they did not feel safe at the university - particularly those who were being taught by Prof Miller - led to an investigation by the university.
The university has consistently refused to say who is undertaking the investigation, when its findings are due — or if those findings will be made public.
In a statement released on Twitter, UJS and Bristol JSoc said: "The University refused to discuss the case and remained silent on when a decision would be made, despite the consistent pressure for a timely result.
"It has now been 165 days since Professor Miller publicly attacked Jewish students, and still nothing. When does the clock run out?"
A spokesperson for the University of Bristol said: “Members of our senior team met with representatives from the Union of Jewish Students and Bristol JSoc on Monday to listen to their concerns and discuss how we can work with them in the future. It was a productive meeting at which we emphasised how much we value our Jewish students and what support is in place for them.
“From the outset, we explained that we would be unable to discuss the investigation into the comments made by Professor David Miller. While we appreciate there is a great deal of public interest in this matter, we cannot jeopardise the integrity and rigour of what is a confidential process by discussing it with third parties or the media.
“For the same reasons, we cannot confirm what stage the investigation is at, although we do recognise the importance for all parties of completing our internal procedures as soon as is reasonably possible.
“The action we’re taking is in line with our internal procedures and involves a full investigation of the relevant facts and circumstances."
The spokesperson added: “Our freedom of speech policy underlines the vital importance of the right of staff and students, as members of a free and democratic society, to speak openly without fear of censorship or limitation, provided that this right is exercised responsibly, within the law, and with respect for others who may have differing views.
“Alongside this policy, the University's clear and consistently held position is that bullying, harassment, and discrimination are never acceptable. We remain committed to providing a positive experience for all our students and staff, including by providing a welcoming environment for Jewish students, and to fostering good relations and an inclusive University community.”
