UK Education Secretary Urges Stronger University Action Against Antisemitism
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has issued a clear directive to universities: they must do more to shield Jewish students from harassment and discrimination on campus. In a statement framed by rising concerns about antisemitism, Phillipson highlighted what she described as an unacceptable increase in incidents and stressed that safeguarding all students should be a core priority for higher education institutions.
The government’s stance comes as universities face scrutiny over how they respond to antisemitism amid ongoing debates about Gaza-related protests and the safety of Jewish students on campus. Phillipson told BBC One’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that there can be no place for harassment or intimidation in higher education settings, underscoring the responsibility of universities to act decisively when antisemitic behavior occurs.
Authorities Point to Growing Incidents and Student Voices
Phillipson referenced data from a CST (Campaign Against antisemitism) report showing a 117% rise in antisemitic incidents on university campuses during the 2022/23 and 2023/24 academic years compared with the two years prior. The Education Secretary noted that the climate on some campuses leaves Jewish students feeling compelled to conceal their identity, a situation she said is unacceptable.
“On campus, Jewish students don’t feel safe,” she told the programme. “And often, parents worry about sending their children to university. We cannot accept that. There can be no place for it.” The comments come as a broader national conversation about antisemitism intensifies amid counter-demonstrations and ongoing protests tied to the conflict in Gaza.
Government Funding to Strengthen Campus Defences
To tackle the problem, the government has announced a suite of measures designed to support Jewish students and empower university staff. The Union of Jewish Students will deliver 600 training sessions aimed at helping staff identify harassment and respond effectively to antisemitic incidents. This training is part of a broader effort to ensure staff and students alike can recognize the signs of discrimination and intervene appropriately.
Additionally, a £4 million fund has been earmarked to fund projects that teach pupils and students how to identify misinformation online and promote interfaith understanding. The aim is to build resilience against online antisemitism and foster environments where dialogue can occur without fear.
Holocaust Education and Wider Civic Education Initiatives
In a separate but related push, the government is directing £2 million to a scheme that teaches secondary school pupils in England about the Holocaust—the genocide of Jews during World War II. This investment is intended to strengthen historical literacy and counter prejudice at an early age, complementing measures within universities to protect Jewish students.
Education Secretary Phillipson’s approach reflects an overarching belief that higher education institutions must lead by example in safeguarding vulnerable communities while maintaining robust debate. She emphasized that universities can and must act on harassment, signaling that inaction is no longer tenable given the evidence of rising antisemitism.
Reactions and Broader Political Context
In the political arena, Conservative shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel urged the Labour government to take a firmer stance against antisemitism, including denouncing violent or hate-filled demonstrations. Her comments came as protests related to the Gaza conflict continued to ripple across campuses and city streets, sometimes featuring large crowds and strong rhetoric.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has publicly urged students not to participate in protests, warning of rising antisemitism on the streets. The tension between safeguarding free expression and protecting vulnerable groups remains a key theme in this debate, with lawmakers calling for clearer codes of conduct and more consistent enforcement on campuses.
Implications for UK Higher Education
For universities, the immediate implication is a renewed obligation to audit campus culture, establish accessible reporting channels, and demonstrate tangible action against antisemitism. Phillipson’s statements suggest that government funding will increasingly hinge on universities’ ability to implement effective training, reporting, and support mechanisms for Jewish students.
Educators and administrators are expected to collaborate with student representatives to identify hotspots of hostility, and to deploy targeted interventions—from bystander training to clearer disciplinary procedures. The goal is not only to respond to incidents but to prevent them, cultivating campus communities where Jewish students—and all students—can learn without fear.
