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<p>The department is deeply concerned about the sharp rise in antisemitic incidents
and this government takes antisemitism extremely seriously. The department continues
to liaise closely with Community Security Trust who provide regular updates on the
number of antisemitic incidents reported in higher education (HE) since 7 October.</p><p>The
Secretary of State and the Minister for Skills wrote to all schools, colleges and
universities on 11 October, urging them to respond swiftly to hate-related incidents
and actively reassure Jewish students that they can study without fear of harassment
or intimidation. The Minister for Skills wrote again to Vice Chancellors on 16th November,
further emphasising the use of disciplinary measures and the importance of police
engagement, as well as the suspension of student visas where the student is a foreign
national. This was one of the key actions set out in the five-point plan for tackling
antisemitism in HE, which was published on 5 November. Details of the plan can be
accessed at: <a href="https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2023/11/05/how-were-protecting-jewish-students-on-university-campuses/"
target="_blank">https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2023/11/05/how-were-protecting-jewish-students-on-university-campuses/</a>.</p><p>A
key element of the plan is the development and implementation of a Quality Seal, which
is a framework of measures that will allow universities to demonstrate support for
Jewish students and staff. The Quality Seal will be based on the International Holocaust
Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism and will allow universities to demonstrate
tangible evidence of its adoption and integration into their policies and practice.</p><p>The
department continues to remind providers of their obligations under the prevent duty,
where they should be working to prevent people from being drawn into or supporting
terrorism. There is an online ‘Reporting Extremism’ form where members of the public
can raise concerns to the department directly. Where concerns have arisen, departmental
officials have reached out to relevant providers to ensure that appropriate action
has been taken, including reporting issues to the police where appropriate.</p><p>
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