of free speech on university campuses, while others claim it represents government overreach.
=== Allegations of anti-semitism and racial profiling ===
In February 2019, the university was involved in an anti-semitism controversy; a number of students voted against the establishment of the Jewish student society. Staff member Dr Maaruf Ali was dismissed due to the discovery of social media posts which included holocaust denial.
In October 2021, the university received some criticism as 'from the river to the sea' was chanted by protestors outside a talk by Richard Kemp on the Colchester campus.
In January 2021, a black student was allegedly racially profiled by security staff which resulted in the student being confronted by armed police officers. The student was quoted as 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
