The Government has ordered universities to crack down on campus antisemitism

Universities have been ordered to crack down on campus antisemitism and could lose funding if they fail to act. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson wrote to vice-chancellors telling them to take "practical and proportionate steps" to protect Jewish students from harassment.

It follows the Manchester synagogue attack and concern that protests against the conflict in Gaza have sometimes provided a platform for prejudice. Ms Phillipson said: "Lawful protest must be respected - but there is no place for harassment or intimidation on our campuses. 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."

Under new rules coming 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.

The government has made clear that while institutions must support lawful protest, this does not extend to harassment, intimidation or incitement to violence. Colleges must manage protests in a way that allows all students to participate fully in university life, which could include banning frequent demonstrations outside halls of residence or religious spaces.

The Union of Jewish Students is to deliver 600 training sessions to help university staff support students, identify harassment and hate, and facilitate open, respectful debate.

Institutions that fail to comply can be sanctioned by the Office for Students, which has the power to impose a fine or ultimately to deregister an institution, meaning it is no longer eligible for government funding.

Ms Phillipson is also to bring university leaders, the Office for Students, police and faith leaders together for talks about fighting bigotry on campuses.

In addition, the Department for Education is stepping up the fight against antisemtism in schools with £4 million to support projects that teach pupils and students how to identify misinformation online and promote interfaith understanding, and a £2 million programme led by the Holocaust Educational Trust to ensure secondary school pupils in England learn about the Holocaust through survivor testimony.