Members of the Edinburgh University Justice for Palestine Society (EUJPS) blocked the entrances to the University of Edinburgh’s Charles Stewart House on Friday morning, 18 October, to protest the University Court’s “deception and delays” surrounding divestment.
Following meetings on 3 and 7 October, the University Court announced plans for an advisory “ethical review and due diligence” group to monitor the institution’s investment portfolio and advise on divestment.
The University Court is the institution’s governing body
Its decision was based on the findings of two Short-Life Working Groups created in response to EUJPS’ 34-day encampment in the Old College Quad last May that demanded the university divest from Israeli-linked companies.
The findings of the Short-Life Working Groups as well as a wider consultation that took place this summer will inform an updated Responsible Investment Policy.
In an Instagram statement ahead of the protest, the group called the creation of these working groups “a farce” that only served to stall divestment.
They added that by holding the meeting on 7 October – the anniversary of the Hamas attacks on Israel – the Court “made a complete mockery” of those killed in the conflict.
EUJPS’ demands for divestment centre around the university’s investments in Amazon and Alphabet – totalling approximately £4.90 million and £2.77 million respectively.
The two companies have faced criticism for their joint provision of cloud services for Israel’s military and public sectors as part of a $1.2 billion deal.
Vice-Chancellor Sir Peter Mathieson announced a pause in the purchase of new Amazon or Alphabet stocks in May following EUJPS’ criticism.
The group also demands divestment from Atlas and Meta, as well as the university’s indirect holdings in the investment management company BlackRock.
Speaking outside of the finance building, activists listed their demands, which include that the university “denounce its role in the setter colonisation of Palestine”, provide a permanent memorial for Palestinians killed in the conflict, and “pay reparations to rebuild Gaza”.
In their latest post, the group alleged that this pause demonstrates that the university knows it is “in violation of UN and humanitarian law”, adding:
“We will not be placated by your vague language and veiled attempts to address our demands until actual action is taken.”
In a statement to The Student, a university spokesperson said it continues to support those in its community affected by the conflict.
They stated that:
“While we respect the right to peaceful protest, we do not support protestors preventing access to a building.”
“The University is clear that disciplinary action may be taken should anyone breach its student code of conduct.”
Meanwhile, EUJPS say they “will not stop until our demands are met”, adding:
“Further delays only strengthen our movement.”
Read our recent article to learn more about the University Court’s decision
Image via Sam Marks