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<p>There is no place in our society - including within higher education (HE) – for
hatred or any form of harassment, discrimination or racism, including antisemitism.
The government will continue to work with universities to ensure we stamp out antisemitism
in all its forms.</p><p> </p><p>The government expects HE providers to take their
responsibilities, including those under the Equality Act 2010 (including the Public
Sector Equality Duty) and to promote freedom of speech, seriously. We expect HE providers
to have robust policies and procedures in place to meet, and balance, their legal
obligations effectively and to investigate and swiftly address reports of hate crime,
including any antisemitic incidents that are reported.</p><p> </p><p>We expect HE
providers to have clearly set out procedures and policies for events and the hosting
of external speakers, which allow for open, transparent events, challenge and debate
and ensure that lawful speech can occur on campuses. Under the Education (No. 2) Act
1986, HE providers have a legal duty to take reasonably practicable steps to ensure
that freedom of speech within the law is secured for their members, students, employees
of the establishment and visiting speakers.</p><p> </p><p>In relation to events occurring
under the banner of Israeli Apartheid Week, it is crucial that HE providers handle
these appropriately, taking into account their legal obligations to ensure that our
values, expectations and laws are upheld.</p><p> </p><p>The government strongly encourages
HE providers to adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism. It is an important tool
in tackling antisemitism and a strong signal that HE providers take these issues seriously.</p>
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