The PM began by welcoming
attendees to discuss the “growing rise of antisemitism on our
campuses”.
He called on universities to
“remain bastions of tolerance, where debate takes place with
respect for others and where every student feels
safe”.
He said that he was looking to
university leaders to take “personal responsibility for
protecting Jewish students” and adopt a “zero tolerance” approach
to incidents of antisemitism, as well as any other form of
hatred, prejudice, or discrimination.
The PM also said it was “right”
that the Office for Students will be introducing a new condition
of registration to deal with harassment, including antisemitism,
“because universities should be held to account for their
commitment to protect Jewish students”.
Representatives from the Union
of Jewish Students described a “year like no other” for Jewish
students, with a six-fold increase in the number of antisemitic
incidents since 7 October.
University Vice Chancellors
recognised this challenge and discussed the importance of
properly enforcing disciplinary procedures against students found
to be inciting hatred or violence, while respecting the
legitimate right to protest.
They said that effective
dialogue with students was essential and that this included the
need to clearly communicate expectations around respect for other
members of the university community.
Vice Chancellors also raised
support for interfaith networks, cooperation with the police and
use of eviction orders, where students are in clear breach of
university rules.
Concerns were raised around
non-student “agitators” infiltrating on-campus protests in order
to stir division.
The Security Minister condemned
any “tolerance of hatred” and assured attendees that he was
“personally committed” to supporting universities. He said that
actions have consequences and freedom of speech didn't extend to
the right to abuse or intimidate.
The Communities Secretary said
that tackling antisemitism was a shared responsibility and he
noted the Government's BDS Bill, currently progressing through
Parliament, which will prevent public bodies fuelling division by
imposing boycotts on foreign countries.
The Cabinet Secretary said that
universities were not alone in dealing with the rise in
antisemitism and that it was a growing problem across the public
realm. He said that he was
committed to working with public bodies to standardise processes
and practices in relation to dealing with
antisemitism.
The Education Secretary
concluded by thanking attendees for their commitment to protect
Jewish students and foster a positive environment on campus. She
said that government would continue to engage closely with sector
ahead of the publication of new guidance.
