Edinburgh University Justice for Palestine Society (EUJPS) has accused Professor Colm Harmon, Vice-Principal at the University of Edinburgh, of “crushing” students fingers during a protest on Monday 28 April.
EUJPS were protesting outside a meeting of the University Court – the group responsible for overseeing changes to the University’s Responsible Investment Policy.
They claim that after being refused entry to the building, they went through the windows.
Posting on social media, EUJPS said: “Students held the windows open as Colm Harmon immediately tried to shut them.
“When students told him that he was crushing their fingers, he looked them in the eyes and responded coldly that they should just remove their hands and continued pulling the windows shut.
“Realising that we weren’t relenting, they then pulled down the blinds, attempting to put us out of sight and out of mind.”
EUJPS went on to say “divestment” was inevitable and that they “will not stop until it occurs.”
A University of Edinburgh spokesperson told The Student: “While we acknowledge and respect peaceful protest as part of the life of a university, we have a responsibility to minimise the impact of disruption for those on campus.
“We are regularly updating our community on progress relating to the review of our Responsible Investment Policy – which has included consultation with students and staff – with a refreshed policy to be published in due course.”
Since 2016, the University has had a Responsible Investment Policy, which was placed under review after pressure from the students and staff.
Between May and August 2024, the University solicited feedback from 1,928 staff and students regarding proposed changes.
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 by the University court, the new Responsible Investment Policy will be published this summer.
Image via EUJPS