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Jewish students welcome Universities UK report on combating campus antisemitism
October 21, 2016 13:25
By, Marcus Dysch
1 min read
ByMarcus Dysch, Marcus Dysch
University bosses should work more closely with Jewish community leaders in order to “better understand antisemitism”, a report into violence and harassment on campuses has found.
Universities UK, the umbrella group representing university heads, today published a 114-page document on the steps vice-chancellors and their staff should take to deal with hate crimes, including antisemitism, which affect students.
It comes after UUK set up a taskforce last year and took evidence from Jewish groups and communal leaders.
The Jewish representatives told UUK that Jewish students generally enjoyed positive experiences on campus, but highlighted episodes of “hostility” and fears about under-reporting of antisemitic incidents.
Subsequently the report said it was “essential” for universities to do more to understand why anti-Jewish episodes should be taken seriously, as well as improving ways to report attacks and track trends.
The report said staff should have specialist training on “issues and sensitivities” around hatred of Jews. UUK said the Union of Jewish Students had already offered to lead the training.
UUK also urged campus chiefs to work more closely with students when global events threaten to increase the risk of antisemitic incidents in this country.
Nicola Dandridge, UUK chief executive and chair of the taskforce, said: “The university sector has been clear that there is no place for antisemitism or any other kind of unlawful discrimination at our universities.
“While statistics from the Community Security Trust suggest that reported incidents of antisemitism in universities are low, even a single incident is one too many.”
She said the group had a “significant opportunity to lead the way” in preventing violence against women, harassment, and hate crimes.
Josh Nagli, UJS campaigns director, welcomed the report and said it was a “constructive piece of work that will hopefully lay the foundations for a more tolerant and inclusive campus environment for all”.
He said the recommendations on combating hatred of Jews were “productive and encouraging” and said the union’s relationship with UUK was positive.
Mr Nagli added: “Tackling antisemitism is not limited to arguments of faith, and it is welcome that the report identifies that.
“The report is a welcome development in ensuring a safe and positive university experience for every Jewish student.”
Among the groups which gave evidence to the taskforce were the Board of Deputies, CST, and the Jewish Leadership Council.
