Norland adopts International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism

Norland has adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism as part of its ongoing commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

The IHRA definition, which has been adopted by universities and other organisations around the world, outlines antisemitism as:

“A certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

The adoption of the IHRA definition supports Norland’s existing policies to tackle racism, discrimination, harassment and bullying. These policies are underpinned by Norland’s values of respect, excellence, commitment and empowerment and in its founding motto ‘Love Never Faileth’.

Principal Dr Janet Rose, said “At Norland we strive to provide a welcoming, nurturing and inclusive community. Our decision to adopt the IHRA definition is an important step that makes it clear that antisemitism will not be tolerated here.”

To ensure that freedom of speech is unaffected, Norland adopts the definition along with the following caveats, which were recommended by the Home Affairs Select Committee in 2016:

• It is not antisemitic to criticise the government of Israel, without additional evidence to suggest antisemitic intent.
• It is not antisemitic to hold the Israeli government to the same standards as other liberal democracies, or to take a particular interest in the Israeli government’s policies or actions, without additional evidence to suggest antisemitic intent.

Freedom of speech within the law is guaranteed by Norland’s Freedom of Speech policy, which will not be affected by adoption of the statement and definition.