The University has adopted the International Definition of Antisemitism in full, including all of its examples.
The Definition was adopted on an unknown date in February 2019.
The University has told Campaign Against Antisemitism that: “…there is no clear meeting minute detailing the adoption the examples… However, all of the University’s actions following the adoption of the definition and the examples demonstrate that the University has indeed adopted these in their entirety…”
This information was obtained after Campaign Against Antisemitism submitted a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 on 14th July 2020. On 10th August 2020, the University responded.
The University published a statement and Vice-Chancellors Blog on its website on 22nd February 2019.
When asked on 9th August 2020, University of Essex Students’ Union failed to confirm whether it has 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.
The University of Essex inexplicably determined that protestors who chanted the “from the river to the sea” slogan as part of campus anti-Israel protests were not engaging in antisemitic conduct.
Students at the University of Essex reportedly protested against a speech on Afghanistan by calling for the destruction of Israel.
University of Essex fires lecturer Dr Maaruf Ali over antisemitic posts opposing creation of student Jewish society.
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.