Pupil tried to 'force' Jewish friend to eat ham pizza

It has emerged that a teenage pupil at Clifton College in Bristol was suspended for a short time after trying to force a Jewish friend to eat pizza containing ham.

Under Jewish law, the pig is considered unclean so followers don't eat pork products.

The incident took place at the public school in December 2017 and the student and his 15-year-old victim are both back in college. The victim did not think the act was anti-semitic but, in a statement, a Clifton College spokesperson said the act was "completely unacceptable":

“In December 2017, a Jewish pupil was eating with his close-knit group of friends when his friends attempted to force him to eat a piece of pizza containing ham.

"While the pupil concerned felt that this was not an anti-semitic act, the school considered the incident to be completely unacceptable, falling far short of the high standards we expect from our pupils. 

"Anti-semitism in any guise is abhorrent, pernicious and is absolutely not tolerated at Clifton College, which enjoys a deep and longstanding connection with the Jewish community. We are proud that there have been Jewish students at Clifton College since 1879. They are an integral and valued part of the Clifton College community.

"Following a thorough investigation of the incident by the school, proportionate and appropriate sanctions were put in place.  We take every opportunity to educate our pupils about the importance of kindness, tolerance and the potentially devastating effects of prejudice.”