We strive to be an organisation where everyone feels welcome, supported and can take pride in who we are.
We are committed to taking action against all forms of racism at the University and beyond.
As you are aware, we are currently considering whether we should join a number of other universities in signing up to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. The IHRA definition was created in response to evidence of rising antisemitism and seeks to build an international consensus around a non-legally binding definition of what antisemitism means to help tackle the rise in hate and discrimination. In the UK, the Home Affairs Select Committee added some modifications to address some of the concerns raised.
Feedback from a previous consultation raised some concerns over some aspects of the IHRA definition being open to misinterpretation, but a strong feeling that Kent should have a commitment in this area. Recently, the Jerusalem Declaration of Antisemitism (JDA) has been suggested as an alternative. The authors of the JDA definition have stated that their aim in writing this was to offer a clearer core definition to assist with tackling discrimination against Jews, while protecting space for open debate on the future of Israel/Palestine.
Signing up to a definition of antisemitism would be an important statement of our solidarity with the Jewish community in recognition of the hurt many are feeling due to rising discrimination. With that in mind, we would welcome the views of all students on the approach we should take to help inform our response to Council. Please see the following briefing paper that sets out more of the background to the issues explored in the survey.
Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura
Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Academic Strategy, Planning and Performance
Aisha Dosanjh
Kent Union President