Goldsmiths apologises after independent inquiry finds a culture of antisemitism

Goldsmiths has apologised to Jewish students and staff after an independent inquiry found it had allowed a “culture” of antisemitism to build up on its campus.

The college, part of the University of London, said it has now launched a two-year “action plan” to combat the problem after admitting the inquiry painted a “disturbing picture” of campus life for those of Jewish faith.

The inquiry looked into student and staff experience since 2018, and also found the college’s management had failed to help Jewish students and potential applicants to “feel welcome, included and safe from antisemitism”.

The inquiry was launched in the aftermath of comments made by an Goldsmiths’ ex-student union president who accused the Jewish academic Dr David Hirsh, a sociologist at the college, of being a “far right white supremacist.”

It also followed numerous reports and allegations of antisemitism made by students at Goldsmiths, particularly in relation to anti-Israel activity.

Several academics at the uni also signed petitions in support of the disgraced Bristol professor David Miller.

Led by Mohinderpal Sethi KC, of Littleton Chambers, the investigation said that Goldsmiths processes and protocols must be improved in relation to dealing with complaints of antisemitism.

Sethi wrote:“It appears to me that a culture has built up over the years at Goldsmiths that, at the very least, has resulted in Jewish students legitimately feeling significant discomfort on campus.

“It is apparent from the evidence reported to me that Jewish students have likely been subjected to antisemitism.

“This is plainly not unique to Goldsmiths, but this inquiry relates to Goldsmiths and I consider that it has not done enough as an institution to ensure its Jewish students and staff feel safe and welcome.”

Goldsmiths has appointed Professor Adam Dinham to lead a two-year antisemitism action plan in an attempt to build a culture of belonging for all Jewish students and staff.

Professor Frances Corner, Vice-Chancellor of Goldsmiths said “Antisemitism has no place at Goldsmiths. As with all forms of racism, antisemitism prevents people from entering, enjoying, and contributing fully to our university.

“The inquiry sets out a disturbing picture and I am sorry that our community and culture fell short of the behaviours we expect.

“The report rightly states that we owe it to former, current and future Jewish students and staff to learn from our mistakes.

“We share responsibility, as a community, to show Goldsmiths can be a place where Jewish students and staff feel valued, supported, and proud to be part of our university.

“As the inquiry highlights, we are already making progress on key issues. Today, we commit to lasting cultural change with respect to Jewish students and staff, and for all religions and beliefs, drawing on our intellectual heritage and our longstanding belief in social justice.”

The Council and Executive Board of Goldsmiths also said they fully endorse the findings of the inquiry at its meeting on Wednesday.

In March nine organisations withdrew their engagement from the independent inquiry into antisemitism at a London university, claiming it “marginalises Palestinians”.

In June 2022 , Jewish News revealed how Jewish lecturer Dr David Hirsh, from the Department of Sociology, had been labelled a “far right white supremacist” and a “Zionist Goldsmiths academic” by its former student union leader Sara Bafo.

Hirsh had criticised the Decolonise Education campaigns run by the NUS, over claims it was offensive to Jewish students.

The Twitter account of Goldsmiths University College Union re-tweeted the formrt SU President’s accusations against Hirsh, saying that it stood in “full solidarity” with Bafo and was “100% behind her”.

Hirsh was offered support by Professor Corner, and Goldsmiths confirmed it was consulting with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) over good practice.

A UJS Spokesperson said: “The inquiry at Goldsmiths reflects what we hear consistently from Jewish students: a concerning, but unsurprising, deep-rooted culture of antisemitism. UJS welcomes the recommendations made, but Jewish students have grown too accustomed to empty pledges.

“Jewish students and staff across the country deserve to see universities taking far more concrete action. UJS will continue to build a working relationship with Goldsmiths to ensure they fully deliver on their Action Plan, and that Jewish students remain at the centre of the conversation.”

Andrew Gilbert, Vice President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said: “We welcome the publication of this independent inquiry into antisemitism at Goldsmiths College, which shines a light on the antisemitism that has been allowed to fester on their campus. Goldsmiths’ acknowledgment of the problem and commitment to implement the inquiry’s recommendations are positive steps towards ensuring Jewish students and staff are safe.

“However, given the well-documented incidents linked to extreme anti-Israel hostility at Goldsmiths, we are disappointed that the inquiry focused on right-wing antisemitism and did not separately address it from the left. Universities must recognise and tackle antisemitism from both sides of the political spectrum. We are disappointed that Goldsmiths Students’ Union and the local University and College Union branch chose not to participate in this opportunity for constructive engagement.

“We ask for Goldsmiths to also address the individual complaints and take action on the perpetrators of antisemitism. We hope that the IHRA declaration is adopted with its examples. We will continue to work with UJS and relevant organisations to tackle antisemitism in higher education. Particular thanks are due to Professor David Hirsh for his ongoing hard work in this area.”