The University of Edinburgh has launched an investigation into those responsible for graffitiing the side of 50 George Square.
The red, green, and purple coloured graffiti, removed later that day, called for the University to “divest now,” alongside the mantra “fund teaching not genocide.”
Groups on campus, including EUJPS, have been critical of the University for continuing to hold financial assets in companies related to, or involved with, the Israeli military.
On 14 November 2024, a UN committee concluded that Israel’s actions during the war in Gaza were “consistent with Genocide,” a conclusion that Israel still denies.
In reaction to the graffiti, a University of Edinburgh spokesperson told The Student: “It is inevitable that there will be differing views on issues that affect the University.
“While we continue to support the right to freedom of expression, we will not tolerate the defacement or vandalism of University property by anyone either inside or outside our university community.
“We are currently investigating the matter – including viewing CCTV – and will take appropriate action.”
Individual investment decisions are not made by the University itself, but by external managers. However, the University can guide investments by outlining rules on which companies or sectors should be excluded from its portfolio.
Since 2016, the University has had a “Responsible Investment Policy,” which, after pressure from the students and staff, was placed under review.
The University last published an update on the review of their investment policy in October, with the University Court agreeing to establish a new group which will carry out ethical reviews of investments. The group will also advise on how definitions relating to exclusions should be applied.
It is not yet clear what impact, if any, this has had on assets held by the University.
When asked, the University did not comment on when further changes to the Responsible Investment Policy might be announced.
Image by Anna Claire Shuman
