Following a protest at the Charles Stewart Building on the morning of 20 March, Edinburgh University Justice for Palestine reiterated their demands, saying they will continue action “as long as [the University of Edinburgh] invests in… corporation and activities” complicit with the Israel-Gaza war.
EUJPS demands that the University halt its Defense Research Collaboration programme, acknowledge any financial involvement it has in the conflict, and divest from firms related to the Israel Defense Force (IDF).
The University Defense Research Collaboration programme (UDRC) aims to “develop unprecedented research in signal processing with application to the defence industry and share knowledge, promote communications, guidance and training.”
In a letter seen by The Student, EUJPS described the project as “nefarious,” claiming it “invests in the development of sophisticated technology used to perpetuate the segregation and occupation of Palestinians in the West Bank while recruiting and training students with these practices.”
EUJPS also condemned the University’s planned budget cuts. Commenting on continued funding for the UDRC programme in the wake of possible course closures and staff cuts, EUJPS said “the hypocrisy is astounding.”
A University of Edinburgh spokesperson told The Student: “Recent developments in the Israel-Gaza war are deeply troubling, and support is available for those affected.
“While we respect the right to peaceful protest, we do not support anyone preventing access to University buildings. The safety of our community and day-to-day running of the University is our priority and disciplinary action may be taken should anyone be in breach of the student code of conduct.
“We continue to engage and listen to those raising concerns about our policies and have recently provided an interim update on our University-wide consultation survey and next steps for the Responsible Investment Policy review.”
Divestment has been a consistent topic of debate on campus.
While external managers make the University’s individual investment decisions, the University can guide investments by outlining rules for which companies or sectors should be excluded from its portfolio.
Since 2016, the University has had a “Responsible Investment Policy,” which was placed under review after pressure from the students and staff.
The University launched a consultation with staff and students that took place between May and August 2024 with a total of 1,928 responses.
Researchers from the University’s School of Social and Political Science analysed the results. Over 90 per cent of participants supported each of the eight proposed changes.
Subject to approval, a new Responsible Investment Policy will be published in the summer of 2025.
After a temporary ceasefire that began on 19 January 2025, Israel launched a wave of airstrikes on 18 March that killed over 400 Palestinians.
The day after, the Israel Defense Force resumed ground operations. Israel says that Hamas still holds 59 hostages, with 24 of whom they believe remain alive.
Image provided by Meher Vapari