A statement from Professor Richard Black, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor.
A small group of people are currently occupying Abercromby Square in protest at the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza. The surrounding area and University buildings remain open and fully operational at this time and we are working to minimise any disruption to staff, students and visitors.
Abercromby Square is a much valued and used space on our city centre campus, and one of only a few greenspaces which staff and students can take advantage of to study, exercise, socialise and relax. It is private land which is regularly used to host University events and it can also be used by students and staff for a variety of local activities, with the appropriate permissions and risk assessments in place.
The current occupation has not been authorised and we have received complaints from staff, students and members of the public that it makes it impossible for them to use the square. As such, we are taking responsible and reasonable steps to vacate it and return it to use by the wider campus community.
Free speech and peaceful protest on campus
The University will always respect the right of those in our community to protest peacefully and lawfully about any issue. Our commitment to freedom of speech is outlined in our Policy and Code of Practice regarding Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom. This joint policy, developed between the University and Guild of Students, was updated last year and you can read more here.
We continue to be clear that a balance must be struck between the rights of protestors and the rights of others to go about their business safely, unimpeded and free from intimidation.
As a University community we continue to hope for an end to the violence in Israel and Gaza, and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. During last year’s occupation of Abercromby Square, the University regularly met with groups of concerned staff and students to discuss ways forward and to provide information. We continue to be willing to engage in dialogue, through appropriate and constructive channels.
Reporting concerns
The University has a responsibility to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all. All members of our community should feel safe and included, and we will never tolerate any form of discrimination, intimidation, incitement, bullying or harassment. If you or someone you know has experienced or witnessed any form of hate or have a safeguarding concern, we would urge you to report this to the University via Report and Support.
Further information
The University regularly reviews investments and collaborations with organisations and governments linked to conflict. Our Ethical Investment Policy can be accessed here.
We currently deliver humanitarian student scholarships for refugees and scholars fleeing conflict. Details of support to scholars displaced by global circumstances can be found on our web pages. Please see our ‘support for those impacted by global conflict and humanitarian disasters’ webpage, which includes a ‘how you can help’ section.