The University of Bristol has been lambasted on social media over its failure to discipline notorious professor David Miller.
After the institution boasted on Twitter of its “thriving culture and forward-thinking attitude” and asked followers what else Bristol is famous for, hundreds piled in to condemn its failure to tackle antisemitism.
Mike Dickson answered, “Bristol University… For not actually addressing the racist antisemitism demonstrated by one of is tutors. For hoping people forget that it fails to protect its students.
Joel Jackson said the university “protects its staff when they accuse Jewish students of being in the pay of a foreign power. Durham is both prettier and more academically rigorous.”
An international trade lawyer added that Bristol was known “worldwide” for “creating a hostile environment” while others condemned it as “a comfy and safe home for racists”.
The public condemnation follows a torrid few weeks for the university.
It was revealed this month that Prof Miller is due to teach two modules in the coming academic year despite being under investigation by the university since March after attacking Bristol’s JSoc as “political pawns [used] by a violent, racist foreign regime”.
One module, ‘Harms of the powerful’ was labelled “offensive” by the Union of Jewish Students (UJS).
UJS condemned the move at the time, demanding that the university “stand with and protect” Jewish students.
Since then, supporters of the embattled professor has attacked Bristol JSoc for “manufacturing hysteria” and dismissed the group as merely “pro-Israel campaigners”.
Rabbi Maurice Michaels, who ministers to Bournemouth Reform Synagogue, has refused to collaborate with the university on a research project and said that the university has “no ethical standing whatsoever as far as I and the Jewish community as a whole is concerned.”
A University of Bristol spokesperson said: “As we have previously confirmed, the University has instigated an investigation into the comments made by Professor David Miller.
"This action is in line with our internal procedures, which are publicly available on our website, and involves a full investigation of the relevant facts and circumstances.
“Our freedom of speech policy underlines the vital importance of the right of staff and students, as members of a free and democratic society, to speak openly without fear of censorship or limitation, provided that this right is exercised responsibly, within the law, and with respect for others who may have differing views."
