Prof Miller probed by police over ‘hate crime’ allegations
BRISTOL UNIVERSITY’S Professor David Miller is being investigated by police over hate crime allegations.
Inflammatory remarks by the academic have included what has been described as a personal attack on the president of the Bristol Jewish Society, and claims that “all JSocs” operate “under the auspices of the Union of Jewish Students (UJS), an Israel lobby group.”
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed to Bristol student newspaper The Tab that they were at the “early stage” of an investigation to establish if any offences had been committed by the controversial sociology lecturer.
It also emerged that Professor Miller had gone on “sick leave”, meaning many students are still awaiting results of their January assessments.
In a statement to the Bristol Tab, the Avon and Somerset Police said: “We have recently been made aware of a number of incidents that may constitute a hate crime or hate incident taking place during lectures at the University of Bristol.
“We take issues such as these very seriously. An email was circulated to student groups last week asking people to speak to the police regarding their experiences. Our investigation is at an early stage and enquiries are ongoing to establish if any offences have been committed.
“Our aim is to help everyone to feel safe and supported while studying in Bristol and we are working closely with the university at this time.” Professor Miller and Bristol University have come under criticism in the past month, following controversial comments made by the lecturer including the claim that that attacks on him are “directed by the State of Israel”.
A spokesperson for Bristol University said: “The University is seeking clarification from Avon and Somerset Police. If notified of a formal investigation, we will of course cooperate.
“Our freedom of speech policy underlines the vital importance of the right of staff and students, as members of a free and democratic society, to speak openly without fear of censorship or limitation, provided that this right is exercised responsibly, within the law, and with respect for others who may have differing views.
“Our clear and consistently held position is that bullying, harassment, and discrimination are never acceptable.
“We can confirm that the University has already initiated an investigation into this matter.”