UEL Antisemitism Statement

At its meeting on 28 February 2021, Academic Board agreed that the University of East London should adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism:

Antisemitism is 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.

The University of East London has a zero-tolerance policy against any form of discrimination or harassment and is committed to supporting both a diverse and inclusive culture for students and staff alike.

The University is a respectful and broad-minded environment where antisemitism, racism or hate speech of any form will not be tolerated.

We recognise that progressing equality requires long-term institutional change and the University is continuing its work in this area to improve the representation, progression and success of all marginalised and under-represented staff and students within higher education.

Freedom of expression is an integral part of our values and the University remains committed to promoting and protecting free speech, The ability to rigorously discuss and challenge ideas is a full part of the University’s work.

The University’s Policy on Freedom of Speech should address any concerns that the recognition of the IHRA definition of antisemitism could be used to suppress legitimate free speech and undermine academic freedom. It is confirmed that our University believes that the maintenance of freedom of thought and expression within institutions of learning is essential to their claim to be such. To prevent the articulation of certain viewpoints for no other reason than that they are not accepted by some groups, or even by the majority, is to prevent equally the full understanding, and due analysis and criticism, of those views; in consequence it protects those who hold such views from having to defend them against the arguments of those who do not.

Following further consideration of this issue, the University has determined that recognising other definitions of antisemitism for educative purposes can enhance the understanding of this matter and its position on anti-discrimination, anti-racism and anti-hate.  Accordingly, the following definitions are provided for further consideration:   

The Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism (JDA) - Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism

The Nexus Document - Home - Nexus Leadership Project

Approved by Academic Board-  26 February 2025