High Peak MP Robert Largan has written to the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, calling on the university to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism. The University of Derby’s Buxton campus is located at the Devonshire Dome.

In his letter to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kathryn Mitchell, the High Peak MP wrote:

“At the university level, extremism and hate can find a place to grow and thrive if university authorities fail to confront them. Radicalised students have often used campus politics as a way of intimidating their classmates, spreading their ideology, and targeting vulnerable minorities. That is why I find it so concerning that the University of Derby has not adopted the IHRA definition. Indeed, I can find no specific policy on your university’s website regarding anti-Semitism.

As we approach Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January, you have an opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to a truly inclusive and tolerant student body. If the University of Derby does not take up the IHRA definition, then it would be a major dereliction of duty towards all of its students.”

The majority of Russell Group universities have already adopted the IHRA definition, including the University of Birmingham, the University of Cambridge, Durham University, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Exeter, King’s College London, Queen Mary University of London, the University of Liverpool, the University of Newcastle, the University of Nottingham, Oxford University, the University of Southampton, University College London and the University of York.

Robert Largan MP commented:

“Ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day, the University of Derby has a chance to do the right thing and adopt the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism.

“Many other universities across the UK are already leading the way. We must never be complacent when dealing with hate and extremism.”