Following the release of Rebecca Tuck KC’s report into antisemitism in the National Union of Students (NUS) and the student movement more broadly, USSU has reflected on its support for Jewish students and its institutional policies.
At its meeting in June 2023 the Board of Trustees agreed to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism:
‘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’.
This definition has been advocated by many Jewish groups, including the Union of Jewish Students and the USSU Jewish Society.
SU President, Simeon Anyalemechi (2023/24), stated “this is a fantastic step forward to ensuring we are supporting our Jewish students, and that Jewish people feel that they are fully represented by the Students’ Union. Racism, prejudice and intolerance comes in many forms, and we must remove it from our campus and student community.”
Salford SU also adopted the recommended addendums to the definition that were first proposed by the House of Commons Home Affairs Committee in 2016:
‘We broadly accept the IHRA definition, but propose two additional clarifications to ensure that freedom of speech is maintained in the context of discourse about Israel and Palestine, without allowing antisemitism to permeate any debate. The definition should include the following statements:
1. It is not antisemitic to criticise the Government of Israel, without additional evidence to suggest antisemitic intent
2. 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.’
This position aligns USSU with the University of Salford’s position, and the UK government’s position regarding antisemitism in universities.
The aim of the adoption is to support Jewish students on campus and confront anti-Jewish hate, and is part of our broader Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) agenda. The adoption of the Home Affairs Committee addendums ensures that the IHRA definition does not impact on freedom of speech on campus.
It is part of Salford SU's charitable objects to provide “forums for discussions and debate for the personal development of its Students” and discussions can, and should, continue to occur including on sensitive and controversial topics, as long as those discussions are done responsibly, with respect for others, and within the law.
Further work will be completed by the organisation on establishing a definition for anti-Muslim hate (Islamophobia) in the months to come.
Questions on the adoption of the IHRA definition or our work to address anti-Jewish hate should be directed towards Ed Moloney, CEO, via E.Moloney@salford.ac.uk