Context
StandWithUs UK's report highlights antisemitism and support for terrorism at British universities, raising concerns about student safety.
Question
What assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of StandWithUs UK’s “Voice of Students 2024/25” report on antisemitism on university campuses. What StandWithUs UK sets out in its report into antisemitism and support for terrorism at British universities is a source of national shame. It is high time that we heeded the stipulation in the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition that so-called anti-Zionism is nothing less than anti-Jewish racism.
Answer from The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)
Antisemitism has no place in our lecture halls, campuses and universities, and no place in our society. Universities must be places where all students feel safe and respected, and are able to thrive. A week ago today, I brought together university vice-chancellors and community leaders to hear testimonials from Jewish students, and to discuss next steps to ensure safer and more inclusive campuses for all our students. No student should be subject to antisemitism on universities campuses or in any place in our education system. We have committed £7 million of funding to address antisemitism in education. Half a million pounds of that has already been awarded to University Jewish Chaplaincy to support student welfare on university campuses.
Not addressed: Did not commit to introducing a framework of escalating financial penalties for universities failing to safeguard their Jewish students from hateful intolerance and extremism as requested by the questioner.
Was this summary accurate? Tell us
How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)