 |
answer text |
<p>There is no place in our society, including higher education, for bigotry, hatred
and any form of racism such as anti-Semitism. We expect universities to act swiftly
to investigate and address any anti-Semitic incidents reported to them.</p><p>Responsibility
for ensuring students do not face harassment, abuse or violence rests with individual
institutions, as a clear part of their duties under the 2010 Equality Act.</p><p>The
higher education sector is committed to tackling discrimination and challenging intolerance
on campus. Bodies such as Universities UK (UUK), Guild HE and the Equality Challenge
Unit provide support to institutions to help discharge their responsibilities through
the provision of practical guidance, discussion and networking events to help share
best practice across the sector.</p><p>In addition, at the request of the Government,
UUK have set up a task force to consider what more can be done to address harassment
on campus, including on the basis of religion and belief. The Union of Jewish Students
are part of the wider advisory group.</p><p>It was extremely disappointing that a
recent event organised by the Kings College Israel Society was disrupted by aggression
and violent scenes. Kings College have undertaken a review of what happened and have
implemented some changes to their procedures as a result. It is completely unacceptable
for legitimate free speech to be shut down on our universities campuses through intimidation
and harassment and we will continue to fully support university leaders who take a
strong stance on this.</p><p>I recently wrote to the Vice-Chancellor of Oxford to
raise my concerns about reports of anti-Semitic behaviour by members of the Oxford
University Labour Club and to reiterate that universities have a clear responsibility
to ensure the safety of all their students and to seek her reassurance that the allegations
are being fully investigated.</p><p>The Prevent Duty, introduced in September 2015,
requires institutions to risk assess events and speakers and put in place whatever
mitigation is required to ensure that events are protected from those trying to prevent
free speech. It is important that universities protect the core values of freedom
of speech and academic enquiry but also take seriously the risks associated with any
form of extremism at universities.</p>
|
|
