Addressing antisemitism

This cross-institutional discussion led to the development of our first anti-racism statement which we have published and embedded as part of our approach to equality, diversity and inclusion with the approval of our Academic Board and Board of Governors.

Our anti-racism statement includes specific reference to Jewish people as one of our ethnic minority communities, and we adopt the IHRA working definition of antisemitism. We are developing further resources to raise awareness of, and guide our response to, the numerous the many and various forms of racism, including Islamophobia, Sinophobia, anti-Black racism, anti-Semitism, and other forms of racial prejudice.

The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition, which has been adopted by Government and other organisations around the world, defines antisemitism as:

“A certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

As set out in our policy we recognise this definition and use it as practical guidance in the implementation of our policy. We will ensure that freedom of speech is not affected, by being clear on the following caveats, which were recommended by the Home Affairs Select Committee in 2016:

• It is not antisemitic to criticise the government of Israel, without additional evidence to suggest antisemitic intent
• It is not antisemitic to hold the Israeli government to the same standards as other liberal democracies, or to take a particular interest in the Israeli government’s policies or actions, without additional evidence to suggest antisemitic intent

Freedom of speech within the law for all staff, students and visiting speakers is guaranteed by Leeds Beckett University’s Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech. This will not be affected by reference to this statement and definition as guidance in our full and ongoing commitment to this important agenda and our support for anyone who experiences anti-Semitism or any other form of racism in our university community.