The University has adopted the International Definition of Antisemitism in full, including the examples.
The Definition was adopted on 19th October 2020.
This information was obtained after Campaign Against Antisemitism submitted a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 on 7th July 2020. On 4th August 2020, the University responded. On 19th January 2021, the University updated its response.
As part of its response, the University provided minutes of a meeting of its University Executive on 19th October 2020, which show that the Definition was adopted.
When asked on 20th July 2020, Aston Students’ Union confirmed that it has not adopted the International Definition of Antisemitism.
The following are recent incidents that have been reported to us, however we recognise that antisemitism is chronically underreported and it is possible that there are incidents that have not been reported. To report an incident, please contact us.
A member of the National Action far-right terrorist group was involved in “placing inflammatory and racist stickers on the grounds of Aston University” before participating in numerous National Action demonstrations and meetings. Garry Jack, 24, later sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison for his activities within National Action.
The incidence of antisemitism on a university campus and how the university and its students’ union address antisemitism are matters of serious concern. At the same time, they do not represent the totality of Jewish life on any campus. For further information about Jewish life on campus, please contact the local Jewish Society or Jewish chaplain.
No student should have to endure antisemitism. Campaign Against Antisemitism provides specialist help to students who have experienced antisemitism, including free legal representation. For assistance with antisemitism on campus, please contact us.