A statement from Universities UK on antisemitism

There has been a deeply concerning rise in antisemitic incidents in the last two years. 

Universities UK has worked closely with university leaders to tackle this. Last week, in response to the attack on the Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester, I wrote to university leaders to remind them to maintain close contact with Jewish student groups, to publicise mechanisms for reporting antisemitic incidents, and to review security arrangements. 

We believe this is especially important with the potential for campus demonstrations timed to coincide with the 7th October massacre. We have signposted resources to help universities combat antisemitism both from Universities UK and from the Community Security Trust and the Union of Jewish Students.  

While universities must be places where contentious views can be expressed, and while universities have a legal duty to uphold free speech, we urge students and staff participating in protests to remember that the 7th October is the anniversary of an atrocious attack on innocent people, and that expressing support for a terrorist organisation is a criminal offence.