Universities told to crack down on antisemitic abuse and protect Jewish students
Education Secretary says one instance of antisemitic abuse on campus is one too many
Last updated 12th Oct 2025
Young people will be taught how to spot and challenge misinformation online and thousands of teachers will be given training to stamp out antisemitism in classrooms, under plans announced by the Education Secretary today.
The Union of Jewish Students is set to begin delivering 600 training sessions to help university staff support students, identify harassment and hate, and facilitate open, respectful debate.
In the wake of the Manchester synagogue attack last week, Bridget Phillipson has written to vice chancellors urging them to take “practical and proportionate steps” to protect Jewish students from harassment, while continuing to protect lawful free speech and upholding the right to peaceful protest on campus.
Under new stronger requirements which came into force this August, universities must have clear policies to prevent and tackle harassment of all kinds, including robust reporting mechanisms, appropriate support and comprehensive training for both students and staff.
Bridget Phillipson also said remarks made by a member of the Bob Vylan rap duo could cause "fear and intimidation" when she was questioned about whether the act should be stopped from performing at a venue associated with the University of Manchester.
This comes after a Jewish organisation called for the show to be cancelled.
The Jewish Representative Council (JRC) of Greater Manchester and Region on Monday said a lack of response from the concert venue following the October 2 synagogue attack in the city is "utterly unforgiveable".
Bob Vylan caused controversy in chanting "death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)" at the Glastonbury music festival in June, which was livestreamed by the BBC.
Asked whether the performance scheduled for November 5 should be axed, the Education Secretary told the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme: "I don't know the specifics in terms of the ownership of that site and where that sits, but I am deeply, deeply troubled by some of what we've heard from the individual in question in that group, about the fear and intimidation that could cause.
The JRC had already demanded "urgent action" last month on the Bob Vylan performance that it said would cause "significant concern" in the community.
In an updated statement, published on Monday, it said the performance - by an artist it deemed as having "repeatedly engaged in rhetoric that crosses the line from legitimate political discourse into antisemitism and incitement" - must be cancelled.
The statement read: "There is a vital distinction between legitimate criticism of the Israeli government and speech that veers into antisemitism.".
"Universities have powers to take action to prevent harassment and intimidation."
Ms Philipson said she does not know whether the academy itself is owned by the university.
She added that university staff in general must "prioritise attending" training sessions aimed at stamping out antisemitism, but did not say if they would be compulsory.
She said: "I've been clear with university vice-chancellors that I expect them to prioritise attending that training for their security staff in particular, who often manage relationships between students and the police."
“One instance of antisemitic abuse is one too many, so I’m clear: the buck stops with universities when it comes to ridding their campuses of hate - and they have my full backing to use their powers to do so.”
The BBC's director-general Tim Davie said the decision to broadcast the Bob Vylan set live from Glastonbury was "a very significant mistake", and he branded the performance "antisemitic" and "deeply disturbing".
Elsewhere, the government has confirmed the Holocaust Educational Trust will take forward the £2 million programme to ensure secondary school pupils in England learn about the Holocaust through survivor testimony and immersive virtual reality experiences.