By Kira Gibson
De Montfort University is holding an online debate regarding the historical context of Simon De Montfort in relation to the university.
Students have campaigned to get the name of the university changed after it was highlighted that Simon De Montfort, the university’s namesake, had expelled the small Jewish community from Leicester in 1231.
The campaign was started by De Montfort University Students’ Union (DSU) towards the end of 2020.
The first event to discuss this will be on March 24 at 2-3pm for students and staff who identify as Jewish.
The second will take place a day later on March 25 between 5pm and 6.30pm, with DMU stating that this discussion will be the first of many.
The DMU website says: “The debate panel will consist of a representative of DSU alongside three historians who specialise in heritage, British Jewry and Leicester, in order to provide a range of perspectives and opinions. Each panel member will be given 10 minutes to present their views, followed by questions from staff and students.”
The debate will consist of three topics: the historical context of Simon De Montfort, whether historical context matters in the pursuit for social justice and what the appropriate path is for tackling historical wrongs.
To book your place onto these events, please email eventsoffice@dmu.ac.uk and you will receive a link to join this event 24 hours prior, so be sure to keep an eye on your email as to not miss out on these debates.
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