Campusreporton hate gets UJS backing
UNIVERSITY BOSSES should work more closely with the Jewish community to “better understand antisemitism”, a report on violence and harassment on campuses has found.
Universities UK, the umbrella group representing university heads, published a 114-page document on the steps vice-chancellors 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.
UUK was told Jewish students generally enjoyed positive experiences on campus, but also of episodes of “hostility” and fears about under-reporting of antisemitic incidents.
The report, published last Friday, said it was “essential” for universities to do more to understand why anti-Jewish activity should be taken seriously.
It said staff should have specialist training on “issues and sensitivities” around hatred of Jews.
U U K s a i d t h e Union of Jewish S t u d e n t s h a d Nicola Dandridge 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 taskforce chair, said: “The university sector has been clear that there isnoplaceforantisemitismoranyother kind of unlawful discrimination at our universities. 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 were “productive and encouraging. “The report is a welcome developmentinensuring a safe and positive university experience for every Jewish student.”