26 January 2016

Following her undertaking when we met her last summer, the First Minister held a round-table discussion at the Scottish Parliament today with a representative group of Jewish students, including some Israelis, who are studying at a variety Scottish universities and colleges. Also present at the meeting were the Jewish student Chaplain, Rabbi Yossi Bodeheim, and representatives of SCoJeC and Jewish Student Chaplaincy Scotland.

The students spoke about their personal experiences, and the following themes emerged:

Following the meeting, the First Minister said:

“It was a pleasure to meet with Jewish and Israeli students and hear about their experiences of studying in Scotland. We believe that everyone has the right to be safe and to feel safe in their communities, and we are committed to creating and supporting safer and stronger communities in which we all take responsibility for our actions and how they affect others.  

“In the 21st century there is no place for antisemitism or racism. This Government respects the principle of academic freedom and the right of institutions to make their own decisions.  We are clear, however, that citing academic freedom does not provide a free pass to act without regards to the law and we condemn any discrimination or intolerance based on religious or cultural affiliation.

“We are committed to working with Scottish universities to ensure that every student has a positive experience while studying in Scotland and enjoys every opportunity to fulfil their potential.”