Jewish students have criticised a trade union for "giving consideration to defining racism as a threat to academic freedom."
 
Members of the University and College Union were asked to rank the “biggest threats to or restrictions on academic freedom” in a survey obtained by the JC.

The IHRA definition of antisemitism and its examples were among 10 potential answers listed below, ranging from “censorship” to “no-platforming.”
 
IHRA has been backed by Jewish groups and dozens of countries and universities, but critics say it restricts freedom of speech.

The Union of Jewish Students told the JC it was “disappointed” by its inclusion in the UCU survey.

"We are disappointed yet not entirely surprised that the leadership of UCU would give consideration to defining racism as a threat to ‘academic freedom.’ 

“The purpose of the IHRA definition is to support and protect Jewish students and staff when facing antisemitic abuse, not to be used as a political pawn.  

“We would encourage them to rethink the inclusion of this example as part of the answers to this question,” UJS said. 

The issue of freedom of expression on campuses has been given fresh impetus by the government’s new plans to impose a duty on universities to promote freedom of speech.

The UCU was approached for comment.