Open University reverses UKLFI-influenced ‘ancient Palestine’ ban
Open University Reverses UKLFI-Influenced ‘Ancient Palestine’ Ban
Novara Media reports that the Open University (OU) has reportedly rescinded a pledge it once gave to the pro-Israel advocacy group UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) to cease using the term ‘ancient Palestine’ in its academic materials. This decision follows pressure from the organization, which had previously criticized the term as potentially hostile to Jewish and Israeli students.
UKLFI’s Complaint and OU’s Response
On 30 November 2025, UKLFI conveyed concerns to the OU, arguing that the term ‘ancient Palestine’ could foster a negative environment for Jewish and Israeli learners. The group contended that the OU might be violating the Equality Act, citing a humanities module that included a reference to the Virgin Mary’s birth in ‘ancient Palestine’ and a map labeled ‘Map of Ancient Palestine.’
“The term Palestine was not applied to the region until more than a century after Mary’s lifetime, when the Roman Emperor Hadrian renamed it ‘Syria Palaestina,'”
UKLFI asserted that the use of the term in academic contexts was historically inaccurate. In response, Adrienne Scullion, head of the OU’s faculty of arts and social sciences, acknowledged the term’s problematic nature in current materials, stating it would no longer be used in future learning resources.
Academic Pushback and Legal Context
Following UKLFI’s publicized demands, over 600 scholars and public figures signed an open letter earlier this year, calling for an immediate retraction of the OU’s commitments to the group. The letter warned that these pledges could undermine the university’s obligations under the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023, exposing staff to harassment and enabling the spread of disinformation.
“The commitments expose staff to harassment, set harmful precedents for further attacks on academic freedom, and make the OU complicit in the spread of disinformation and a politically motivated attempt to erase Palestine from history.”
The letter was co-signed by Israeli historians Ilan Pappe and Avi Shlaim, as well as Palestinian scholars Rashid Khalidi and Nur Masalha. It received support from the University and College Union branch within the OU.
Contradictions and Broader Trends
An unnamed OU staff member criticized the university’s latest statement as inconsistent with its prior assurances to UKLFI, claiming it does not align with the December 18 letter. The spokesperson emphasized that the commitment pertained to a single unit, which was ‘scheduled for replacement,’ yet the staff member argued this was a ‘clear contradiction’ in the university’s stance.
Meanwhile, the British Museum recently faced scrutiny for removing the term ‘Palestine’ from exhibits featuring ancient Egypt and the Phoenicians. UKLFI had claimed this change was prompted by its complaints. However, the museum denied the connection, stating the decision was independent. In response, academics reiterated that ‘ancient Palestine’ is a valid historical designation, with Marchella Ward, a classical studies lecturer at the OU, condemning claims of its illegitimacy as a ‘lie’ aimed at erasing Palestinians.
The OU is not alone in facing pressure from UKLFI. Earlier this month, it was revealed that Encyclopaedia Britannica had revised entries in its Britannica Kids section, removing the term from regional maps after UKLFI’s influence. Such actions highlight a pattern of efforts by the group to shape historical narratives in favor of Israel.
