56 British universities report no instances where adoption of International Definition of Antisemitism restricted freedom of expression or academic research
56 universities have reported that there has been not a single instance where their adoption of the International Definition of Antisemitism has restricted or chilled freedom of expression on campus or academic research at their institution.
A Parliamentary Task Force on Antisemitism in Higher Education, established by the Government’s Independent Adviser on Antisemitism with support from members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group Against Antisemitism, has published a report that made various findings about antisemitism on university campuses in the UK.
The task force reported that “56 universities across the UK [were] asked about their experience of using the Definition, which they had all adopted. None knew of or could provide a single example in which the IHRA Definition had in any way restricted freedom of speech or academic research, or where its adoption had chilled academic freedom, research or freedom of expression.”
It has long been a canard of opponents of the Definition that it restricts freedom of speech on campuses. Campaign Against Antisemitism has previously published a resource explaining why this is not the case. This report also shows how there is no evidence of such restriction either.
The report also made other concerning discoveries, including that it is “commonplace” for students not to wear “certain clothing or jewellery around campus because it would make them visibly identifiable as Jewish.” The report even found that some Jewish staff choose to keep their identity secret to avoid “negativity” at work.
Polling by Campaign Against Antisemitism has also shown that, more broadly, almost half of British Jews try not to show visible signs of their Judaism when they go out due to antisemitism.
The report further found that Jewish students spoke “repeatedly” of an “underlying fear of being targeted” over their backgrounds and of being “expected to answer questions about Israel,” even showing reluctance to attend seminars or lectures relating to the Jewish state “for fear of personal interrogation”.
According to the Definition, “Holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the State of Israel” is an example of antisemitism.
The report observed that “Jewish students generally have a positive university experience” but recognised the rise in antisemitic incidents on campuses.
The CST has recently reported recent significant increase in antisemitic incidents on campus, while polling by Campaign Against Antisemitism has found that 96 percent of British Jews believe that antisemitism on university campuses it is a problem.
It recommended further adoption of the Definition by universities and for more robust and transparent disciplinary procedures, and emphasised the importance of religious provision for Jewish students and staff.
Campaign Against Antisemitism monitors the adoption of the International Definition of Antisemitism by universities.
If any students are concerned about antisemitism on campus or need assistance, they can call us on 0330 822 0321, or e-mail [email protected].
