Antisemitism in Universities

London School of Economics

International Definition of Antisemitism

University

The University has told Campaign Against Antisemitism that it has adopted the International Definition of Antisemitism in full, including all its examples, but it has not provided evidence to support its claim.

The University said that the Definition was adopted on 19th December 2017.

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 9th July 2020. On 29th September 2020, the University responded.

Students’ Union

When asked on 3rd August 2020, LSE 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.

The University acted to close down an anti-Israel encampment on its premises.

Individuals linked to an Islamist group that describes Jews as “monstrous”, reportedly spoke at British universities.

Mr Saqib Iqbal Qureshi, a visiting fellow at the University, was reported to have posted several inflammatory tweets about the Holocaust.

Campaign Against Antisemitism called for arrests as LSE students shouted antisemitic chants, called for violence online, and tried to intimidate Israeli ambassador as she left the campus.

Swastikas and the Star of David were found day after day between 28th September and 3rd October at a student residence, reappearing each time they were removed.

Jewish students at a lecture by Richard Falk were allegedly told by an attendee that “What happened to Jews in Germany was because Jews misbehaved”.

Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East reportedly cancelled an event due to be chaired by Abdel Bari Atwan, who has allegedly made antisemitic comments in the past about Israel and “the Jewish lobby”.

A week after condemning a campus exhibition celebrating Palestinians who had stabbed Jews, the London School of Economics published and then removed an antisemitic blog post.

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.