Yahoo News University of Essex suspends lecturer in anti-Semitism row after students fail to block new Jewish Society
A member of staff has been suspended at the University of Essex amid a row over anti-Semitism.
The university launched an investigation after concerns were raised over posts from the Facebook account of lecturer Dr Maaruf Ali saying “Zionists” were trying to “create a society” at the university.
It faced accusations of anti-semitism after hundreds of students opposed the formation of a Jewish Society.
The society – opposed by 200 students – was formally founded on Friday after the university vowed to set it up regardless of whether it was ratified by the students’ union.
"Antisemitism is antithetical to the values of the University of Essex and has no place at our University." Our Vice-Chancellor makes our position clear on antisemitism. pic.twitter.com/1KgVPADerS
— University of Essex (@Uni_of_Essex) February 22, 2019
In a statement, University of Essex vice-chancellor Professor Anthony Forster said: “To see the University of Essex associated with anti-Semitism has been a deeply shocking event and one which has filled me with great sadness.
“Anti-Semitism is antithetical to the values of the University of Essex and has no place at our university.
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“We have a zero-tolerance approach to harassment and hate crime which is at the very core of our values and beliefs.
“We are proud to subscribe to the working definition of anti-Semitism produced by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).
“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 anti-Semitism within our community.”
The university said a member of staff had been suspended while allegations were independently investigated.
Concerns were raised by the Union of Jewish Students over posts from the Facebook account of Dr Ali, including one that read “the Zionists next want to create a society here at our university”.
It has launched a review to ensure Jewish students and staff are provided with unequivocal support and will hold a public event on February 28 in support of its Jewish community.
The Union of Jewish Students said it was “deeply disappointed by the significant proportion of students” who voted against the establishment of a Jewish society and “dismayed” to see comments from the Facebook account of Dr Maaruf Ali.
It said it welcomed Prof Forster’s condemnation of anti-Semitism and commends the “swift, strong and supportive action taken”.
“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 group said.
