Palestinian Rights, the Prevent Duty and the Misuse of 'Antisemitism' - the Defence of Academic Freedom and of Freedom of Speech

This panel aims to discuss current threats to academic freedom and freedom of speech in the UK with regards to the subject of Palestinian rights and Israel-Palestine more generally. Over the past couple of years, several UK universities have faced pressure from external governmental and non-governmental actors to ban, censor or impose specific conditions on academic events discussing Israel-Palestine on the grounds that they could be antisemitic. Last year, the UK Higher Education Minister Jo Johnson wrote to all universities to inform them of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, which controversially conflates criticism of Israel and of Zionism with antisemitism. Meanwhile, the Prevent Duty has led universities to increase scrutiny of external speaker events—disproportionately affecting events discussing Israel-Palestine.

The panel will draw attention to the political context in which these measures are being pursued and their insidious effects on academic freedom and freedom of speech as well as the stigmatization of Palestinian rights. It will also discuss universities’ responsibilities in this regard and how academics, students and trade unions can defend academic freedom and challenge racism on campuses.

The event consists of presentations followed by Q & A from audience members.

Speakers:

Prof. Richard Seaford, University of Exeter and member of the British Committee for Universities in Palestine (BRICUP) https://humanities.exeter.ac.uk/classics/staff/seaford/

Mr. Sai Englert, SOAS https://www.soas.ac.uk/staff/staff89205.php

Dr Nicola Pratt, University of Warwick https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/pais/people/pratt/

Chair: Dr. Justine Mercer, Warwick UCU President

Please note, the event is open only to Warwick staff and students. Those wishing to attend must register here and show ID on the door.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1243502679127817/?active_tab=about

Palestinian Rights, Prevent and the Misuse of Antisemitism