City University students voted to reject a widely adopted definition of antisemitism, sparking fierce criticism from Jewish groups.
 
Students voted to reject the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition by 671 to 260 votes. The results - which comprised over 900 ballots and 14 abstentions - were announced on Friday. 
 
Separately, City University is consulting on the Government’s advice to higher education institutions that they adopt the definition which continues to inspire debate on campuses across the UK. The student union is one of several groups contributing to the consultation.

The university’s J-soc and the Union of Jewish Students said they were “saddened and angry” by the results. 
 
“This is a dangerous step backwards for City SU, and a clear failure to protect their Jewish students. The IHRA definition of antisemitism has been adopted by over 35 countries, all major UK political parties and over 75 UK universities.  
 
“It is the definition which the representatives of the Jewish community in the UK and more importantly those at City University itself have been asking for institutions to adopt. It is time City SU start working with their Jewish Society and not against them. 
 
“We will never be silent in our fight against antisemitism and will continue our campaign alongside Jewish students, for the university to properly address and tackle antisemitism on campus."
 
The student union, meanwhile, said it was “committed to working with all students affected by this referendum to ensure the services of the union are inclusive to all students."