Bristol Uni ‘refused to discuss’ David Miller probe in meeting with UJS and J-soc
Union of Jewish Students said the University 'remained silent on when a decision would be made' more than 130 days after the launch of a formal investigation in March.
Jack Mendel is the former Online Editor at the Jewish News.
The Union of Jewish Students has renewed its criticism of Bristol University after officials “refused to discuss the case” involving anti-Israel professor David Miller – or even when a result would come – in a meeting with leaders yesterday.
Representatives from the Union of Jewish Students and Bristol Jewish Society (J-soc) met the university’s vice-chancellor, more than 130 days after the launch of a formal investigation in March.
Miller reportedly called for an end to Zionism, and accused the university’s J-Soc of being “pawns” of Israel. Bristol Jsoc said at the time, its president had received personal abuse as a result of the professor’s comments, and accused the university of a failure in its duty of care to Jewish students.
In a statement, the Union of Jewish Students said: “This week Bristol JSoc and UJS met with the Vice-Chancellor Professor Hugh Brady, to discuss its failure to provide basic duty of care to its Jewish students in regards to Professor Miller.
“The University refused to discuss the case and remained silent on when a decision would be made, despite the consistent pressure for a timely result.
“It has now been 165 days since Professor Miller publicly attacked Jewish students, and still nothing. When does the clock run out?”
Miller’s remarks led to anger across the community with calls for his removal, letters signed by MPs, and petitions signed by high-profile figures.
Hundreds of Miller’s supporters also backed him, accusing critics of attacking academic freedom.
In March, speaking in the Lords on behalf of the government, Lord Parkinson responded to the row saying Miller has “ expressed some ill-founded and reprehensible views, and the Government wholeheartedly reject them.”
Mark Gardner, chief executive of the Community Security trust, said: “After over two years of this attitude from Bristol University, we can all see where they stand, but CST will continue to support Bristol JSoc and UJS in every way that we can.””
A spokesperson for the University of Bristol said it was a “productive meeting” and that “from the outset, we explained that we would be unable to discuss the investigation”.
They said: “while we appreciate there is a great deal of public interest in this matter, we cannot jeopardise the integrity and rigour of what is a confidential process by discussing it with third parties or the media.
“For the same reasons, we cannot confirm what stage the investigation is at”.
The spokesperson also highlighted its “freedom of speech policy” and its commitment for “the right of staff and students.. to speak openly without fear of censorship or limitation”, as long as it’s within the law.
It also said it opposes bullying and wants to provide a “welcoming environment for Jewish students”.
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
