Board of Deputies welcomes Jo Johnson’s commitment to free speech on university campuses

Marie van der Zyl, Vice President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, who will be attending this afternoon’s speech at the Limmud Festival, said:

“We welcome University Minister Jo Johnson’s stand on free speech at university campuses. Over the last couple of years, Jewish students have been subjected to the most outrageous abuse and intimidation when seeking to discuss Israel, including when they are discussing the routes to peace. Notorious incidents occurred at Kings College London and University College London. Regrettably universities often find themselves floundering, unable or unwilling to provide adequate protection for these events. This must urgently change.

“We are pleased to note that the Minister will note exceptions for where there is a risk of extremism or hatred, including antisemitism. To aid this, we would urge universities to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism which the Government adopted last year.”