Statement
Tackling Antisemitism
Updated on 26 July 2024
The University's statement on antisemitism
The University of Dundee does not tolerate any form of racism or discrimination. This is enshrined in our Dignity at Work & Study Policy, which makes clear that the University promotes a positive environment in which all staff and students can flourish and where all members of the community treat each other with respect and dignity.
At its meeting on 23 March 2022, the Senate of the University approved the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) non-legally binding working definition of antisemitism, which reads:
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.
In adopting the definition, the Senate wishes to send a clear message of support to the Jewish community that antisemitism is both unacceptable and incompatible with the University’s values and, moreover, that Senate would continue to act to eradicate all forms of antisemitism from the campus. The Senate accepts that the University has not adopted definitions of other forms of discrimination, but believes it is important that the University should be clear about its position on antisemitism. This should not, however, be taken to mean that the University assigns any greater importance to antisemitism as a form of racism than it does to other forms of discrimination. All forms of discrimination are equally abhorrent. And the Senate has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling discrimination collectively.
As the supreme academic body in the University, the Senate is mindful of the University’s responsibility to uphold academic freedom and freedom of expression on its campuses. In that spirit, the Senate also adopted the caveats to the definition proposed by the House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee, as follows:
It is not antisemitic to criticise the Government of Israel, without additional evidence to suggest antisemitic intent.
It is not antisemitic to hold the Israeli Government to the same standards as other liberal democracies, or to take a particular interest in the Israeli Government’s policies or actions, without additional evidence to suggest antisemitic intent. [Antisemitism in the UK, Tenth Report of Session 2016-2017, House of Commons 16/10/2016, p.12]
The University accepts that the IHRA definition, along with its examples, can be a useful guide in helping to understand what might constitute an antisemitic act or incident. In applying the definition, the University recognises its statutory duty to protect freedom of expression and the academic freedom of the members of its community, as well as its obligations under the Equality Act 2010.
Academic Freedom is defined in University Statute 16, in accordance with the Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Act 2016. And University Ordinance 59 provides a mechanism for staff who believe their academic freedom has been adversely affected.
The University has also adopted a statement on freedom of expression for use in academic settings, particularly in teaching environments.
The University has a range of policies which support staff and students affected by antisemitism, such as the following: