Antisemitism in Universities

University of Leeds

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 an unknown date in September 2018.

The University has told Campaign Against Antisemitism that it does apply the Definition in disciplinary matters.

This information was obtained after Campaign Against Antisemitism submitted a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 on 14th July 2020. On 11th August 2020, the University responded.

As part of its response, the University provided their Freedom of Expression protocol dated September 2020, which incorporates the Definition.

Students’ Union

When asked on 11th August 2020, Leeds Students’ Union 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.

Campaign Against Antisemitism wrote to the University of Leeds to point out that Emeritus Professor Ray Bush has a profile page  on the University’s website  that links to a Twitter account with numerous tweets that breach the International Definition of Antisemitism.

The emptiness of the University of Leeds’ adoption of the International Definition of Antisemitism was laid bare, after the institution failed to take any meaningful action against Professor Ray Bush who has a record of tweets that breach the Definition.

Campaign Against Antisemitism has written to the University of Leeds regarding Professor Ray Bush, about his alleged history of antisemitic tweets.

Swastika and the word “Nazi” daubed in University of Leeds hall, popular with Jewish students. Police treated this as a hate crime.

Campaign Against Antisemitism called for the release of names of five student representatives at the University of Leeds who voted to reject motion to combat antisemitism.

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.