UK Government Urges Action Against Campus Antisemitism
The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has called on universities across the United Kingdom to act decisively to protect Jewish students from harassment and discrimination on campus. She warned of an unacceptable rise in antisemitism within higher education institutions and stressed that many Jewish students currently do not feel safe on campus.
Phillipson argued that universities could and must do more to counter this poison and ensure a safe environment for all students. Speaking on BBC One’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, she highlighted that the government is backing training for staff and students to better identify and challenge antisemitic behaviour.
New Training and Funding Proposals
As part of the government’s plan, funding will support training aimed at helping university staff and students recognise harassment and hate, with the overarching goal of creating a safer, more inclusive campus culture. The education secretary also noted a broader package of measures designed to address misinformation online and strengthen interfaith understanding.
“There can be no place for harassment and intimidation,” Phillipson told the program. “Universities can and must act on that.”
Broader Political Context
The remarks come amid a wider national debate on antisemitism in the UK. Conservative shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel urged the Labour government to “grip” antisemitism in the country, including protests that she said represented hate against the Jewish community. She pointed to street demonstrations in London as evidence of broader hatred, while noting that campuses have also seen protests over the Gaza conflict, including around anniversaries of the Hamas attack on Israel.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has repeatedly urged students not to participate in demonstrations that could fuel antisemitism, warning of rising antisemitism on the streets. The interplay between campus activism and public demonstrations remains a focal point as the government advances its antisemitism strategy in higher education and beyond.
Impact on Jewish Students and Institutions
Phillipson cited stories from Jewish students who felt compelled to conceal their identity on campus and said that many parents worry about sending their children to university. She asserted that such experiences are unacceptable and that higher education institutions must act to restore safety and trust for Jewish students.
In response to the situation, the government announced that the Union of Jewish Students will deliver 600 training sessions to help university staff support students, identify harassment, and respond effectively to incidents of antisemitism. A £4 million fund will back projects teaching pupils and students how to identify misinformation online and promote interfaith understanding.
Holocaust Education and Long-Term Goals
Separately, £2 million is being allocated to a scheme focused on Holocaust education in England, ensuring that the historical context of antisemitism and the genocide of Jews during World War Two remains a central part of school curricula. The commitment to Holocaust education reflects a broader effort to confront antisemitism by fostering awareness and empathy across generations.
As universities prepare to implement these measures, the government emphasizes accountability and practical steps to safeguard Jewish students. The coming months are set to reveal how universities translate policy into on-campus results, with the safety and inclusion of Jewish students at the heart of these reforms.
