The Education Secretary has warned that antisemitic behaviour is “becoming normalised in spaces that should stand firmly against it,” in a column for the JC responding to alarming findings in a Union of Jewish Students report about antisemitism on campus.
One in five British students would be reluctant to, or would never, share a flat with a Jewish student, the report found.
A quarter of students polled expressed indifference as to whether Jewish students felt able to openly express their identity, while one in ten did not regard denying or minimising the Holocaust as antisemitic.
Reacting to the findings, Bridget Phillipson said that while freedom of speech is “fundamental” to the higher education system, “there can be no ambiguity when it comes to glorifying terrorism or harassment of Jewish students.
“Every student deserves to walk onto campus knowing they will be treated with dignity and respect,” she went on.
Writing exclusively for the JC, Phillipson set out the steps the government had taken to help stem the tide of antisemitism on campus, including strengthening how the Office for Students monitors universities in line with their Prevent duties on radicalisation, “ensuring institutions take action when serious concerns arise.”
She said the government would issue updated guidance on how universities manage external speakers and would support campus officials to intervene “where lawful debate crosses into unlawful activity or support for terrorism.”
Noting the new Campus Cohesion Charter, which the government will develop hand-in-hand with students, Phillipson said this would “help students build and share a cohesive community within and beyond campus.”
Phillipson said that values of “respect, tolerance and the ability to disagree without dehumanising one another” must be visible on campuses.
“Jewish students should feel able to express their identities openly at university. They should be able to wear religious symbols, attend Jewish societies and take part in debate without fear of intimidation or exclusion.
“The findings in this report are a stark reminder that we must go further to make that a reality. University should be a place where every student - of all faiths and none - can learn, question and thrive. And where hatred and intimidation are never allowed to take root.”
Her remarks have been welcomed by Jewish leaders.
Russell Langer, Director of Public Affairs at the Jewish Leadership Council, said: “We welcome the Education Secretary’s commitment to implementing various measures aimed at addressing extremism within universities set out in the government’s ‘Protecting What Matters’ action plan. These proposals are promising if they can be delivered. Crucially, that will require coordination between government departments, the police and universities.
“For over two years, Jewish students on campus have faced wave after wave of antisemitic abuse. Proscribed terrorist organisations, responsible for the murder of thousands of Jews, have been glorified and celebrated, while regular protests have disrupted learning for all students. This crucial report, commissioned by UJS, shows precisely how widespread and normalised this hatred has become and we fully endorse its recommendations.”
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