Lecturer is suspended over ‘anti-semitic’ Facebook posts

A UNIVERSITY lecturer has been suspended after an anti-semitism row erupted on campus.

Dr Maaruf Ali, a computer science lecturer at the University of Essex, will face an independent investigation after posts were allegedly unearthed on his Facebook account condemning “Zionist” influence.

One now-deleted post about a freshers’ fair allegedly claimed: “The Zionists next want to create a society here at our university.” Other posts reportedly appeared to deny the Holocaust.

Concerns had been raised by the Union of Jewish Students after students voted against the establishment of a Jewish society at the university.

Following a furore, it was announced that a Jewish society would be created on campus despite the opposition of more than 200 students.

Prof Anthony Forster, vice-chancellor of the University of Essex, said: “To see the University of Essex associated with anti-semitism has been a deeply shocking event and one which has filled me with great sadness.

“Anti-semitism is antithetical to the values of the University of Essex and has no place at our university. We have a zero tolerance approach to harassment and hate crime which is at the very core of our values and beliefs.

“We are proud to subscribe to the working definition of anti-semitism produced by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.

“Recent events have shown we still have work to do and I am announcing a series of immediate actions to tackle all forms of anti-semitism within our community.”

The university said it will ensure a Jewish society is created irrespective of any ratification by the students’ union.

It has launched a review to ensure Jewish students and staff are provided with unequivocal support and will hold a public event on Feb 28 in support of its Jewish community.