Students at City, University of London will vote on whether to reject the working definition of antisemitism for the second time in two years.
On Monday, the City Students’ Union announced that it would be holding a referendum on whether the University should reject the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism.
On its website, the Union said it would publish a “balanced argument for why you should vote yes and why you should vote no”. The Union has also set a deadline of 7 March for those registering to campaign.
The elected sabbatical officers will be producing a “list of actions” based on the results, but there have been no hints of what these may be.
When asked why another referendum had been called so soon after the first, the Union responded: “The Board recognised that this issue had been discussed at various student forums but felt the concerns raised from both sides of the argument warranted a full and transparent response from the student voice.”
The decision comes three months after the Union’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) – attended by over 160 students – voted against the motion to “reject the IHRA definition of antisemitism”.
When asked why this was worded in terms of rejection, the Union said: “[The] question aimed to maximise clarity, so as to better engage students resulting in a higher turnout with a potentially stronger mandate.” The Union subsequently rejected any notion of its desire to see students vote in favour of the motion.
The Jewish Society (JSOC) at City has shared its view on the matter with Islington Now, saying: “The Jewish community should be allowed to define for themselves what antisemitism is. These actions make us feel that the SU is neglecting its Jewish students and failing in its responsibility to support all students.”
According to JSOC, the Union’s Board of Trustees “made no contact with any representatives of City’s Jewish students.
“Utilising the IHRA definition of antisemitism demonstrates to Jewish students that they can trust the University to handle any complaints made. These definitions are here to protect the safety of Jewish students.”
Last year, Union President Saqlain Riaz – who was previously Finance Office of the Friends of Palestine society – joined 120 national student representatives in signing a petition demanding “universities terminate all ties with Israel’s Apartheid regime”.
In 2018, the Union adopted a pro-BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) policy to end support for Israel’s oppression of Palestinians.
The Union of Jewish Students, which represents 8,500 UK students and 65 Jewish Societies expressed its “disappointment” in the decision to call another referendum on the issue.
“The Students’ Union failed to consult Jewish students until after the decision was made, and when the concerns were raised, the Students’ Union was adamant about the referendum going ahead.
“The Students’ Union has made clear that when discussing anti-Jewish racism, they will not prioritise Jewish student voices.”
Voting will open on Monday 22 March and close on Thursday 25 March.
Additional reporting by Bill Bowkett.
