Yahoo News University of Essex suspends employee and creates Jewish society amid antisemitism row
A Jewish society will be created at the University of Essex regardless of a student vote following an antisemitism row.
The institution has also suspended one of its workers while allegations about their social media posts are investigated.
The university said a Jewish society will be created on campus regardless of a vote in which more than 200 students opposed it.
Concerns were also raised by the Union of Jewish Students (UoJ) over posts from the Facebook account of Dr Maaruf Ali.
One read: “The Zionists next want to create a society here at our university.”
The result of the original vote sparked outrage online from MPs and student leaders described it as “deeply disappointing” and “shocking”.
It is understood that some students raised objections with the society’s plans to celebrate the Israeli national day as they argued that it was not politically neutral.
The university has now launched a review to ensure “unequivocal support” is given to Jewish students and staff.
Vice-chancellor Professor Anthony Forster said: “To see the University of Essex associated with antisemitism has been a deeply shocking event and one which has filled me with great sadness. Antisemitism is antithetical to the values of the University of Essex and has no place at our university. We have a zero tolerance approach to harassment and hate crime, which is at the very core of our values and beliefs.”
He added: “Recent events have shown me we still have work to do, and I am announcing a series of immediate actions to tackle all forms of antisemitism within our community.”
A public event will be held by the university next week in support of our Jewish community.
In a statement, the UoJ said: “There is certainly still a long way to go until antisemitism is eradicated from university campuses, but we are heartened that these steps will make a significant impact on improving the lives of Jewish students at the University of Essex.”
The University of Essex Students’ Union, which held the vote on its website, said it rejected any form of hate speech and is taking all reports of antisemitic behaviour extremely seriously.
Pleased that the tainted ballot to set up a Jewish Society as @Uni_of_Essex has been pulled. Must be made clear to those voting against have behaved unacceptably. Let’s hope for reflection, mediation, reconciliation and healing, and a fresh ballot will approve the new Jewish Soc.
— Bernard Jenkin (@bernardjenkin)
“We are also reviewing the way that societies are ratified at Essex going forward to ensure that all students have a safe and welcoming environment to meet with those of a shared experience and to celebrate their cultural or religious identity,” it said in a statement.
“Following our condemnation of the reported comments by a university lecturer yesterday we are pleased to see the university taking action on this matter. In line with our zero tolerance approach to hate speech, we repeat that there is no place for any form of antisemitism at the University of Essex.”
