UCU: Support for the Jerusalem declaration on anti-Semitism

Motion

Motion text: Congress notes:
1. In March the Jerusalem Declaration on Anti-Semitism (JD), signed by more than 200 Jewish scholars from Israel, the UK and the US, was issued.
2. This definition of Anti-Semitism represents an alternative to the IHRA definition.
3. The IHRA definition has been rejected by UCU Congress votes in 2017 and 2018.
Believes:
a. Anti-Semitism, as other forms of racism, must be repudiated and campaigned against.
b. Individuals have the right to criticise the Israeli government’s treatment of the Palestinian population.
c. The “weaponization” of Anti-Semitism against critics of the Israeli government’s behaviour is unacceptable.
Resolves:
i. To adopt the JD.
ii. To urge universities and further education colleges to do likewise as an alternative to the IHRA definition.
iii. To defend any UCU members facing disciplinary action because of alleged Anti-Semitism for exercising their academic freedom and right to free speech in upholding the human rights of Palestinians.