The University of Essex faced shocking allegations last week surrounding a number of students 'anti-semitic' behaviour. Sources have confirmed that around 200 students voted against the idea of a Jewish Society.
All University of Essex societies have to be ratified in order to gain permission to start a society, that is if the majority of people vote for it too. Despite opposition from the 200 students in the vote on Thursday, the new Jewish society will be set up, according to the university..
University computer science lecture played an important role in what only can be described as 'anti-semitism' behaviour. Sources have revealed that Dr Maaruf Ali not only voted against the Jewish Society but went on to post on a Facebook page for University freshers “The Zionists next want to create a society here at our university,” while other since-deleted posts were denying the Holocaust ever happened.
University of Essex Vice Chancellor, Professor Anthony Forster stated that the incident had filled him with "great sadness" and this antisemitism is "anti-ethical" to all the university's values and this has "no place at our University".
He also announced the university has launched a review to ensure it offered “unequivocal support” to the Jewish staff and students of the University. In the next week a public event will be held at the institution, which is based in Colchester, to demonstrate its support for the Jewish community.
Following this, House of Commons Speaker and Chancellor of the University John Bercow spoke about the events that took place. Bercow claimed the be 'very concerned' by the reports he had read; he added 'As University chancellor, I will be seeking an urgent discussion with university administration."
An official statement from Vicky Passingham, Communications officer at the university of Essex was collected; "We expect staff, students and visitors to be treated, and to treat each other, with dignity and respect. The ratification process has been a focus for strong debate. Alongside our commitment to freedom of speech, we also have clear guidelines for student and staff conduct and we have zero tolerance towards harassment or hate crime and will always take appropriate and proportionate action."
“We are looking into the allegations as a matter of urgency in accordance with our zero tolerance policy.”
Yair Rosenberg (Jewish magazine journalist): At University of Essex, students vote to approve any new student groups. They have approved ‘K-Pop Society’ and ‘Pokemon go society’; 36% of students voted against the Jewish society, amidst an anti-Semitic campaign.
Different public figures have commented on the issues on social media sites:
Rachel Riley stated the cancer that is anti-Semitism is spreading and is shocking discrimination.
Will Quince MP took to twitter saying: Who would vote to block a Jewish society? I am a strong advocate and supporter of @Uni_of_Essex but this is shocking and a terrible advertisement for our university, Colchester and Essex.
As a result of the events that have taken place regarding the antisemitism the University has set up an event which will take place on the 28th of February at 1pm. 'A public show of support and solidarity for our Jewish students and staff'. Posters around campus are depicting the University's stance on the diversity of their staff and students.
"At Essex we're proud of our diversity, our people and our inclusive spirit. We celebrate the diversity of our students and stag and nurture communities of belonging in which all are accepted without exception."
EB