We are an informal group of Jewish staff members at Goldsmiths, University of London. We welcome the Report’s careful and crucial distinction between antisemitism and criticism of Israel, its affirmation of freedom of speech and its conclusion that a working complaints process that listens to victims of antisemitism is urgently needed. We would, however, urge the utmost caution against using the findings of the Report to constrain any legitimate protests – for example in relation to showing support for Palestinians – on campus.
The independent inquiry concluded that the College was ‘culpable’ in failing to prevent antisemitic incidents on campus and referred to a ‘lack of trust amongst Jewish staff and students in the College’s ability to handle complaints of antisemitism’.
In the light of these findings, we also wish to express very serious concern at the failure of the College’s senior management team to engage with Jewish colleagues, either before or after the report’s publication. On the day the report was published the College appointed pro-vice Chancellor Professor Adam Dinham to lead a two-year antisemitism action plan. We have made numerous requests to meet him as soon as possible so that we can have early input. We have been repeatedly rebuffed.
As far as we know, neither Jewish staff nor students were involved in the decision to set up the independent inquiry two years ago. As part of the College’s proposed action plan, an advisory panel is being proposed. Yet, we have no idea of its composition.
This points to a long-standing failure to act effectively and transparently not only over antisemitism (as identified by the Inquiry), but in relation to racism more generally. For example, the College has failed to deliver on its original commitment to set up anti-racism training, initially promised six years ago.
This also reflects a long-standing reluctance to engage or consult meaningfully with staff, especially over the kinds of action that need to be taken in relation to anti-racist training for management, staff and students. The same lack of care is apparent in public statements made by the vice-chancellor Frances Corner, who has made the unsubstantiated claim that Jewish academics have left Goldsmiths due to antisemitism (the report gives no such indication). Our concerns on this matter have likewise been brushed off.
This is an unacceptable and absurd situation, where a sizeable number of concerned Jewish staff are being sidelined on the issue of antisemitism. We are now once again requesting that senior management meet with us as soon as possible to discuss these urgent matters.
Catherine Rottenberg
Ruth Garland
Michael Guggenheim
Michael Rosen
Des Freedman
Ben Levitas
Laura Belinky
Clare Finburgh Delijani
Julia Sauma