The University and College Union (UCU) Edinburgh and other staff members of the University of Edinburgh have published a collective statement about the university’s response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.
The statement calls on the university to allow free speech to be allowed on campus concerning the conflict without being “surveilled or securitized.”
It also calls for the acknowledgement of ties between the university and the ongoing violence, and for the university to support and protect members on both sides of the discussion.
The signatories of the collective statement include, the Edinburgh Race Equality Network (EREN) Committee, Centre for Ethics and Critical Thought (CRITIQUE), Edinburgh Centre for International and, Global Law and Staff BAME Network, University of Edinburgh.
The statement expresses the concern academics have over: “The climate of increasing intimidation and escalating restrictions on free speech within British higher education institutions on the topic of Israel/Palestine.”
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Additionally, they commented on a statement made by the Universities UK (UUK) on October 13th, which said:
“Any student or staff member found to be supporting Hamas will be in breach of UK law, and universities treat this with the utmost seriousness.”
The UCU statement expressed the fear students and staff feel while on campus:
“Here at the University of Edinburgh, students have described incidents of intimidation, surveillance and attempts at criminalizing speech and action for Palestine, including the carrying of the Palestinian flag.”
The statement continues:
“Aggressive measures taken by the Government, vague and one-sided statements such as the UUK statement that was immediately (and uncritically) shared by our Principal, and reports of surveillance of and harassment at student protests are all dangerous elements restricting academic freedom and intensifying anti-Palestinian racism on campus.
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The calls from staff included an acknowledgement from the university on how their current investments are funding violence, specifically naming research links the university has with weapons companies.
Responding to the statement, a University of Edinburgh spokesperson:
“We know this is an incredibly challenging time, and it is vital that we show mutual respect and compassion for each other. As a community devoted to learning and the pursuit of knowledge, we can play an important role in deepening understanding and we want to ensure our campus is a safe space for peaceful, respectful and empathetic dialogue.
“We are considering the concerns raised in the collective statement and will respond in due course.”
Image via Nick Malizia