The University has told Campaign Against Antisemitism that it has adopted the International Definition of Antisemitism. It was not clear from the University’s response whether the examples were adopted.
The University said that the Definition was adopted on 28th May 2021.
The University has told Campaign Against Antisemitism that: “…City will recognise the IHRA Working Definition of anti-Semitism on a non-exclusive basis and undertake a piece of work with our Jewish staff and students to identify and combat Antisemitism. This decision will be reviewed within the next two years, or as necessary in the context of the changing legal and regulatory environment. The institutional position has not changed since then.”
This information was obtained after Campaign Against Antisemitism submitted a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 on 8th July 2020. On 17th September 2020, the University responded. On 15th October 2021, the University updated its response.
Additionally, the University published a statement on its website on an unknown date in 2021.
When asked on 25th July 2020, City Students’ Union failed to confirm whether it has adopted the International Definition of Antisemitism. On 29th March 2021, the Students’ Union voted to reject the Definition in a campus-wide referendum.
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.
The Charity Commission has opened an “ongoing case” into City, University of London’s Student Union regarding attempts to abandon the International Definition of Antisemitism during the tenure of the currently-suspended NUS President, Shaima Dallali.
Students at the University voted in a campus-wide referendum in favour of a resolution calling on the University to reject the International Definition of Antisemitism.
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.