A debate on how Israel is represented in academic discussions will take place next year as part of an agreement between Exeter University and the Jewish Leadership Council.
Earlier this year members of the community had raised concerns over a conference hosted by the university titled Settler Colonialism in Palestine and Workshop on the Naqab Bedouin. After talks with the JLC the university agreed to invite two pro-Israel speakers to the conference , as well as agreeing to organise a second event.
This second conference will take place at the University’s St Luke’s Campus on February 1. Under the title, The treatment of Israel in academic discourse at UK Universities, it will feature academics, students from the university, and representatives from the Jewish community.
The event will be chaired by Professor Sir Steve Smith, vice-chancellor and chief executive of Exeter, and hosted by Professor Janice Kay, Exeter provost.
JLC CEO Simon Johnson said: “We thank the vice-chancellor and the provost for agreeing to host this debate and for structuring it so that there is a fair and safe opportunity for academics and students to discuss this emotive issue from all perspectives. This is a welcome approach to the discussion of challenging issues on university campuses.”
Prof Sir Steve Smith said: “I am delighted that the University of Exeter will host this distinctive and positive debate.
“It is imperative that universities provide an encouraging space for academic discourse, no matter how challenging the subject, and I am confident that this debate will be one of mutual respect, but also one of robust deliberations and discussions.”
