Antisemitism in Universities

University of Edinburgh

International Definition of Antisemitism

University

The University has adopted the International Definition of Antisemitism in full, including all of its examples.

The Definition was adopted on 21st July 2020.

This information was obtained after Campaign Against Antisemitism submitted a request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 on 14th July 2020. On 7th October 2020, the University responded.

As part of its response, the University provided papers and minutes of a meeting of its Executive on 21st July 2020, which show that the Definition was adopted.

Students’ Union

When asked on 9th August 2020, Edinburgh University Students’ Association failed to confirm whether it has adopted the International Definition of Antisemitism.

Incidents

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.

University of Edinburgh to host academic who stated that “only Jews are immune from criticism” and referred to “Jewish financial power.”

University of Edinburgh refuses to stop event with American-Israeli activist, Miko Peled, who demanded that delegates at the Labour Party Conference should have the freedom to engage in debate as to whether the Holocaust actually happened.

Posters at Edinburgh and Glasgow universities claiming that the Holocaust was a “robbery” and a “fraud” used by Jews to create a “Holocaust industry”.

Jewish life on campus

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.