a diversity of voices and views can be heard on our campuses. On behalf of the university, I have issued an open apology to each of Professor Phoenix and Professor Freedman". Anti-Semitism In February 2019 students voted against the establishment of the Jewish student society, the university was involved in controversy relating to alleged anti-semitism. Staff member Dr Maaruf Ali was fired during the incident due to posting holocaust denial images on social media. In October 2021, the university received some criticism regarding the invitation of Richard Kemp by the Conservative Society on the Colchester campus as some Antisemitic chants were made by protestors outside the event. Racism In January 2021, a black student was racially profiled by security staff which resulted in the student being confronted by firearms officers. The student was quoted saying “Their description of the suspected individual was black, six-feet tall, athletic build, with dreadlocked hair. Being threatened with guns on the campus where my safety is supposed to be provided for is troubling and concerning. How are black students supposed to be safe from racial discrimination and fear of potential death when their biggest threat are those that are supposed to protect them? My hair is far from dreadlocks - and I’m not that tall." Essex has been criticised for a lack of commitment towards sensitive issues except when it is perceived to be in the interest of its public image. The universities public denouncement of the George Floyd incident was cited as a notable example of the institution taking a stand on social media and then refusing to follow through with their commitment to solidarity when students continued to express concerns on being racially profiled by staff. See also Armorial of UK universities List of universities in the United Kingdom Plate glass university References External links University of Essex website University of Essex 50th Anniversary University of Essex Students' Union May 1968 events University of Essex University of Essex Educational institutions established in 1964 1964 establishments in England Buildings and structures in Southend-on-Sea Universities UK