Join us for an important discussion about the challenges of antisemitism in the Higher Education sector and beyond.
In addition to tackling explicit and unconscious antisemitism, how do we challenge ignorance and apathy where many people may not see antisemitism as a problem? The University of Westminster and London Higher’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Network invite students, colleagues and members of the public to an important discussion about the challenges of antisemitism in the Higher Education sector and beyond.
Recent years have seen a growing recognition that anti-Jewish animus is neither confined to history nor to the fringes of humanity, but is a part of everyday discourse in different sections of society. The Higher Education sector is not exempt from it. Institutions cannot tackle a prejudice if they do not recognise its presence in the first instance, and policies won’t be effective if practices do not change.
The Taskforce on Antisemitism in Universities runs under the auspices of both the All-Party Parliamentary Group Against Antisemitism and the Government’s Independent Adviser on Antisemitism. Its report, out in summer, will look at the experiences of Jewish staff and students across UK campuses. Based on meetings with over 40 UK Higher Education Institutions, relevant providers and other stakeholders, the report will highlight key issues and provide recommendations on what more can be done to support Jewish staff and students on campus. The report will also be accompanied by a 'Good Practice Guide' containing numerous examples of policies, initiatives, and case studies from universities taking proactive steps to improve the experience of Jewish staff and student life on campus.
The report of the Taskforce on Antisemitism in Universities could not come at a more crucial time. Why was the report necessary? How can the report guide institutions to bring about a culture change whereby antisemitism, like other forms of racisms and prejudices, is not tolerated? What did the Taskforce learn about antisemitism in higher education and efforts to challenge it?
Lord Mann will be in conversation with Professor Dibyesh Anand, a co-chair of University of Westminster’s EDI Committee as well as the chair of London Higher’s EDI Network, about the research that went into the report and the importance of taking it as a wakeup call for culture change.
Event speakers
Lord Mann of Holbeck Moor, HM Government’s Independent Adviser on Antisemitism
John Mann was the elected Member of Parliament for Bassetlaw from June 2001 until 2019. Since his time in student politics John Mann has been vocal in his condemnation of all forms of racism and has worked tirelessly to combat it.
In the summer of 2005, he was appointed as Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group against Antisemitism (APPG), supported by the Antisemitism Policy Trust. John has commissioned two major All-Party Inquiries into Antisemitism and a further inquiry into Electoral Conduct.
In 2008, John established the Inter-Parliamentary Coalition for Combating Antisemitism (ICCA) which he still Chairs. In May 2009, John received the American Jewish Committee's (AJC’s) Jan Karski Award in recognition of his commitment and work in fighting antisemitism. In 2010, he chaired the Football Association’s Task Force on antisemitism and Islamophobia in football.
In July 2019, John Mann stepped down as Chair of the APPG when he was appointed the UK Government’s Independent Adviser on Antisemitism in one of Theresa May’s final acts as Prime Minister. John Mann joined the House of Lords in October 2019 as Lord Mann of Holbeck Moor.
In February 2021, Kick It Out appointed Lord Mann as an Ambassador to support its work tackling discrimination in football. Lord Mann’s priorities in the role include chairing the Kick It Out Antisemitism working group.
Professor Dibyesh Anand
Professor Dibyesh Anand is the Head of School of Social Sciences at the University of Westminster. He is Professor of International Relations, an elected staff governor, the co-chair of the University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the chair of London Higher’s EDI Network.
He is the author of monographs "Geopolitical Exotica: Tibet in Western Imagination”, “Hindu Nationalism in India and the Politics of Fear” and several other articles and book chapters in the area of postcolonial politics and international relations. Dibyesh is passionate about challenging the divide between academia and activism and identifies as queer in personal and political terms.
Event location
Fyvie Hall, 309 Regent Street, London, W1B 2HW
