Dr. Heather Mendick is a prominent British Jewish sociologist, education scholar, and activist.
She formerly served as a Reader in Education at Brunel University London. Her academic research is internationally recognized, particularly concerning youth aspirations, gender dynamics, and structural inequalities within science and mathematics education. A prolific scholar, she has authored numerous works on educational equity, revealing how power shapes individual identity through educational systems and mass media. Since moving away from full-time academia, she has worked as an independent researcher, continuing to provide theoretical support for various social justice projects.
Dr. Mendick was the Liaison Officer for Jewish Voice for Labour (JVL) and remains an active senior figure within the anti-occupation movement. Between 2023 and 2026, she has been a leading figure in resisting the “weaponization of antisemitism definitions,” vigorously opposing the conflation of political criticism of Israel with hate speech. Despite her expulsion from the UK Labour Party in 2022 due to her political stance, she has used the experience to expose the systemic suppression of pro-Palestine voices in British politics. She actively engages in transnational academic solidarity, drawing international attention to the destruction of the Palestinian education system under occupation. She is currently helping the Green Party with its election campaign.
Dr. Mendick’s statements were very firm; she stated: I agree with Judith Butler on this as on many things. Our starting point for any discussion of the Hamas attack on 7th October must be understanding it (understood) as an act of armed resistance, not terrorism. She also said: “I’m Jewish and I feel a responsibility to speak against the war crimes and human rights abuses being committed in my name by Israel.”