NTU’s commitment to tackling antisemitism
Published: 27/01/2022
Yesterday, on the day before Holocaust Memorial Day, I joined Nadhim Zahawi, Secretary of State for Education, a range of groups representing the Jewish Community, and a small number of Vice-Chancellors for an online summit to address how we tackle antisemitic discrimination and abuse on university campuses.
I was invited as the Department for Education recognises our commitment to tackling all forms of racism, including antisemitism. NTU was an early signatory of the IHRA definition of antisemitism, Jewish students are an integral part of our Faith Ambassadors scheme, and our Chaplaincy Team includes two Rabbis.
However, incidents of reported antisemitism are on the rise across UK university campuses. At NTU, we have dealt with four, involving allegations against five students, over the last three years. These were upheld. All five students were subject to disciplinary action and one was expelled.
I share these numbers for three reasons. One is that we must be transparent that, as is the case with all universities, antisemitism does occur at NTU. There is no room for complacency. The second is to encourage those who experience or witness antisemitism to report it; we will investigate and we will take action where complaints are upheld. The third is to make clear to those who may manifest negative views against Jewish students and colleagues that these are not acceptable.
At the same time, let us celebrate that the overwhelming majority of our 40,000 students and 4,500 colleagues embrace our diversity. It is one of our greatest strengths as a university. As part of Welcome Week, we work hard to introduce and reinforce the concepts of identity and community to our students. All colleagues are asked to complete online learning modules on anti-racism, unconscious bias, equality, inclusion, respect and, most recently, white privilege.
Today, as we mark Holocaust Memorial Day, I reaffirm our collective commitment at NTU to tackling all forms of racism and, in particular, on this anniversary, antisemitic discrimination and abuse.
Best Wishes
Edward