The University of Bristol has announced that it is carrying out a confidential investigation following controversial comments made by a professor.
Sociology lecturer David Miller was accused of making "unacceptable" statements about Israel and Jewish students during a Zoom video call last month.
Members of the university's Jewish community and high-profile critics expressed concern after he called for the "end of Zionism" and said Israel is "trying to exert its will all over the world".
In a statement released yesterday (Tuesday, March 16), the university confirmed that it has "already initiated an investigation into this matter".
It added: "The investigation is being carried out in accordance with the university's internal process and, as we have explained in a previous statement, that process is confidential."
Bristol Jewish Society has been campaigning for the university to act, saying Prof Miller's views "have no place on our campus".
During the Zoom call, Prof Miller expressed the view that Jewish students were being used as “political pawns by a violent, racist foreign regime”.
More than 500 academics signed a letter supporting Jewish students and saying they "wholly condemn" the comments, with more than 100 MPs and peers writing to the university's Vice Chancellor demanding action.
Bristol West's Labour MP Thangam Debbonaire described the comments as "completely unacceptable".
However, more than 190 professors signed a letter Professor Miller, saying they "oppose such efforts to crush academic freedom" and the attempt to "publicly vilify" him.
The university had previously said it "does not endorse the comments made by Professor Miller about our Jewish students".
Its new statement adds: "We recognise that this matter has caused deep concern for some members of our community, and also that people hold very different views on the issues raised.
"The university has offered support to both students and staff who have been affected by it."
It would not be appropriate to comment further while the investigation is ongoing, it added.
However, the university did share more general points about its policies.
The statement added: "Our freedom of speech policy underlines the vital importance of the right of staff and students, as members of a free and democratic society, to speak openly without fear of censorship or limitation, provided that this right is exercised responsibly, within the law, and with respect for others who may have differing views.
"The university's clear and consistently held position is that bullying, harassment, and discrimination are never acceptable.
"We remain committed to providing a positive experience for all our students and staff, including by providing a welcoming environment for Jewish students, and to fostering good relations and an inclusive university community."
