Academic suspended in anti-Semitism row

A UNIVERSITY employee has been suspended amid an anti-Semitism row, it was revealed yesterday.

The University of Essex announced allegations made against the member of staff are being investigated.

The development comes as it emerged that a Jewish Society has been set up on campus, despite opposition from more than 200 students in a vote. The Student Union ruled the poll void because ineligible voters took part and said yesterday the group had been founded without a fresh vote.

The Union of Jewish Students had raised concerns about posts on the Facebook account of computer science lecturer Dr Maaruf Ali over the issue. One allegedly read: ‘The Zionists next want to create a society here at our university!’ He has been approached for comment.

The university, which has groups for Muslims and Christians, has refused to confirm the identity of the suspended member of staff.