Universities UK
| Use attributes for filter ! | |
| Ceo | Alistair Jarvis |
|---|---|
| Membership | 136 universities, university colleges and colleges of higher education |
| Presidents | Julia Buckingham |
| Headquarters location | London, United Kingdom |
| Founded | 1918 |
| Date of Reg. | |
| Date of Upd. | |
| ID | 2450746 |
About Universities UK
Universities UK is an advocacy organisation for universities in the United Kingdom. It began life as the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals of the Universities of the United Kingdom in the . . .
Universities must act swiftly on antisemitism, ministers say
... In 2021, Universities Uk told universities to focus on increasing understanding of Islam and Islamophobia as a means of prevention, and to respond robustly when incidents occur...
'I had to live in a two-bed flat with 20 other men' - student
... " Universities Uk said in a statement: " The current pressures on the housing market in the UK are being felt across society - including by students, and universities are working to ease this wherever possible...
Working part-time at uni risks worsening inequalities, warns thinktank
... The Institute audited the websites of all 140 members of Universities Uk, an advocacy organisation for universities, and found 48% now promote part-time work...
Fall in students accepted into university in UK
... A spokeswoman for Universities Uk said the figures showed the " continued strong appeal of university" but added that the sector must " continue efforts to drive social mobility"...
University accommodation: 'I got into uni, but couldn't find anywhere to live'
... Universities Uk say they always try to help because housing issues are significant worry...
Top degrees fall for the first time in a decade
... Universities Uk, which represents 140 institutions, said they were " rowing back on increases that occurred during the pandemic"...
Plan to crack down on 'rip-off' university degrees
... Universities Uk, an advocacy group, said university was a great investment for the vast majority of students...
Most university students working paid jobs, survey shows
... Those eligible for maintenance loans in Scotland A spokesperson from Universities Uk, which represents 140 universities across the UK, said: " Universities are doing their bit by increasing hardship funding, offering subsidised or free food on campus and increasing other forms of pastoral support...
Universities must act swiftly on antisemitism, ministers say
By Vanessa ClarkeEducation reporter
Education minsters have written to university vice-chancellors in England over the welfare of Jewish students.
Gillian Keegan and Robert Halfon have asked that universities " act swiftly and decisively against any threats" to students' safety and welfare.
It Follows reports of some student societies sending out inflammatory messages showing support for Hamas, following its attack on Israel.
More Than 2,700 people have been killed in Israel and Gaza since 7 October.
The Letter said ministers have seen evidence of messages that " either implicitly or explicitly show support for Hamas" which is " a proscribed terrorist organisation".
" The Effects of these statements are already being felt by Jewish students, many of whom are being made to feel that they need to hide their Jewish identity, " it said.
The Union of Jewish Students (UJS) has welcomed the guidance and says it has had pleas for help from students who do not feel comfortable openly expressing their Judaism while on campus.
" We have received reports of Jewish students who have been harassed, intimidated and abused, " UJS explained, and said it was urging universities to take a " zero-tolerance policy" for those who support terror.
Adam Habib , The Director of SOAS University of London, told The Bbc the campus hosts both Jewish and Palestinian staff and students, and that The Conflict is a " substantive area of debate" at times.
He Said concerns for Jewish students are " entirely legitimate" but he believes The Letter is just " symbolic" and " unhelpful" as universities are already taking action when they have concerns.
Being asked to police students for waving Palestinian flags or shouting certain slogans is " not a reasonable request" He Said , adding the university is already making sure students are safe and taking action when people feel threatened or beak The Law .
Universities are " safe spaces" and critical debate should be allowed, he added.
There have been issues around antisemitism on campuses in The Past .
In January, found the National Union of Students (NUS) had failed to sufficiently challenge antisemitism and hostility towards Jews. The NUS apologised to Jewish students following The Report .
The Letter from Ms Keegan and Mr Halfon made no specific reference to protecting Palestinian students, although there is pre-existing guidance on How To handle Islamophobia on campus, issued long before the current conflict.
In 2021, Universities Uk told universities to Focus On increasing understanding of Islam and Islamophobia as a means of prevention, and to respond robustly when incidents occur.
The Letter which requires all education providers " to help prevent The Risk of people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism".
It asked vice-chancellors to " pay particular attention to any invitations" to speakers on this subject to ensure that events do not provide a platform for " illegal speech".
The Office for Students, the regulator of Higher Education in England, works on behalf of the government to monitor what is being done in institutions to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.
Arif Ahmed , its first director for freedom of speech and academic freedom, said Higher Education providers " should uphold free speech within The Law for everyone" but this does not include " discrimination against, or harassment of, Jewish students".
" Encouraging terrorism, including glorifying The Commission or preparation of acts of terrorism, fund-raising for the purposes of terrorism and inviting support for a proscribed terrorist organisation, are all criminal offences" he added.
Many universities are already offering support to students with family and other connections in the region.
Among them is Queen's University Belfast, which says it recognises the need to " ensure tolerance, sensitivity and respect for differing viewpoints and opinions. "
It says it will provide a space for students, staff, and the wider community " to discuss and debate a wide range of local and global issues on campus" all within a framework of " respect for the rights of other persons".
The Conflict between Israel and the Palestinians has been a point of contention on UK campuses for many years.
In 2015, More Than 300 academics from dozens of universities in England and Wales said they would not accept invitations to visit Israeli academic institutions in protest at what they called
Related TopicsSource of news: bbc.com
