Durham student who reportedly called Jews “apex predators in capitalism” accepted to PhD programme
A student at Durham University who reportedly called Jews “apex predators in capitalism” in social media group chats has been accepted to study for a PhD at the institution.
Hugo Lunn reportedly shared posts that included phrases such as “Hitler would be more efficient if he privatised his death factories” and “the Jewishtocracy.” Another post apparently appeared to mock a student who had been offended by the claim that “the only reason the Holocaust was bad is because the Jews did not consent to being gassed,” saying of the student that “he got triggered, the cuck.”
“Cuck” is a far-right term used to refer to white men who are viewed by the far-right as traitors to their race and gender.
Mr Lunn, who is taking a PhD in medieval history, is understood to have made the comments in the chat group of the Durham University Free Market Association, of which he was President. After details of the discussion emerged following a complaint to the University in 2020, the Association was shut down by the Students’ Union.
The University investigated the comments in the summer of 2020, two months after Mr Lunn had completed his undergraduate degree.
Mary Kelly Foy, the MP for the City of Durham, said: “These comments are extremely concerning, and the University’s leadership and multifaith student body will agree that such abhorrent views have no place on their campus. I am proud to represent such a diverse University and as such I have raised my serious concerns with the University. I expect they will always act to ensure the safety of students and workers and that any such remarks would be swiftly investigated and decisive action taken.”
A spokesperson for Durham University said: “In 2020, in response to concerns raised, we undertook an investigation under our Non-Academic Misconduct Procedure. Our misconduct procedures apply only to members of Durham University. At that time, the individual named by the Jewish Chronicle was not a student at Durham University. We did take action against two other individuals, who were at that time Durham University students. As there was no investigation against the individual, because they were not at that time a student at Durham University, there was no record to be kept and no record to consider when they later applied for further study with us. We are looking into this matter urgently and considering what actions we may take.
“At the same time we are reaching out to communities affected by these comments to offer our support. We condemn any incidents of antisemitism in the strongest possible terms and are working hard to counter all forms of discrimination, including antisemitism.”
According to the JC, Mr Lunn refused to comment on the record.
Durham University has adopted the International Definition of Antisemitism.
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].
