Written question asked by Louise Ellman (Labour) on Monday, 4 April 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 7 April 2005. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Thursday, 7 April 2005 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what recent reports she has received of incidents of intimidation of Jewish students at the School of Oriental and African Studies; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Mrs. Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what recent reports she has received of incidents of intimidation of Jewish students at the School of Oriental and African Studies; and if she will make a statement. [224839] Dr. Howells: The Secretary of State is aware of recent press reports of tensions at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) but she has not received any reports of individual incidents of intimidation against Jewish students there. Higher education institutions are independent bodies which have their own procedures for dealing with incidents of racial discrimination and intolerance. They are bound by equality and diversity legislation and it is the responsibility of their governing bodies to ensure that non-discriminatory practices are followed. The Race Relations (Amendment) Act specifically requires institutions to promote equality of opportunity, promote good relations between people of different races and eliminate unlawful racial discrimination. While we deplore any incidents of racial intolerance in higher education institutions it is the responsibility of individual governing bodies to take appropriate action if such incidents occur.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 432 c1589W;432 c1585W; 224839
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Bullying Students Antisemitism School of Oriental and African Studies
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk