At 2pm yesterday, Glasgow University became the 24th Uni in the UK to be occupied by students in solidarity with the people of Gaza.
Demands
Initial
We Demand...
1. Written confirmation that there will be no disciplinary, academic or legal repercussions for anyone involved in or supporting the occupation
2. That those involved in the occupation are guaranteed respect for their fundamental rights, including freedom of assembly, expression, and movement in and out of the occupied space
3. That the occupation is given uninterrupted access to electricity, water, internet access (including appropriate wifi passwords) and other amenities as appropriate
4. That the principal meet those involved in the occupation at the occupied space to discuss our substantive demands
Substantive
We Demand...
1. STATEMENT - That the University release a statement unequivocally condemning Israeli military action in Palestine, including the despicable bombing of the Islamic University of Gaza. The University should specifically denounce the attacks on civilians, the systematic obstruction of humanitarian aid and the targeting of academic institutions, hospitals, places of worship and international peace keeping facilities. The University should encourage other universities to make such statements, as well as informing the UK and Israeli governments.
2. DEC APPEAL - That the University publicise the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal for Gaza by way of a visible message on the main University website, an email to all students and staff and an announcement at all lectures on campus
3. BOYCOTT - That the University commences with immediate effect a boycott of all Israeli goods (including goods manufactured or supplied by Israeli owned or operated companies) on campus, including in particular Eden Springs water. Further, that the University bans all companies involved in the supply of military equipment to Israel (such as BAE Systems, the Smiths Group and Caterpillar) from all university premises, specifically recruitment events.
4. DISINVESTMENT - That the University disinvests from BAE Systems, Westland helicopters, Lockheed Martin and all other firms or affiliates involved in arms research, manufacture or supply. The University authorities should instruct all financial companies managing University endowment investments & pension schemes to ensure complete disinvestment of University funds from the armaments industry. Such disinvestment is particularly important in light of the fact that these weapons have been used to massacre civilians, commit war crimes and violate international law. Investing in such companies is completely unacceptable.
5. ETHICAL INVESTMENT POLICY - That the University alter its ethical investment policy to ensure such irresponsible and indefensible investment does not occur in future, and releases a statement affirming its commitment to peaceful research and investment in the community. The new ethical investment policy should be developed in dialogue with the student community, such conversation involving specifically the SRC calling an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM).
6. FUNDRAISING - That the University hold a day of fundraising to raise money for the humanitarian effort in Gaza.
We demand that the University commit to a specific date on which fundraising will take place, such efforts being campus-wide and well advertised.
7. ACADEMIC AID - That the University provide academic aid to universities and schools in the Gaza strip, in the form of:
a) The donation of old books, computers and other surplus teaching/administrative/ educational resources, with the shipping of these resources being paid for by the University of Glasgow.
b) The establishment of a twinning programme with universities in Gaza, in solidarity with their plight
8. SCHOLARSHIPS - That the University set up a scholarship scheme which will provide full funding for at least ten Palestinian students to attend the University.
The Principal’s response in this regard is unacceptable. We demand that new scholarships be set up specifically for Palestinian students, in light of the incredible difficulty in securing education in Palestine at present as a result of occupation and recent military action.
9. BOYCOTT ISRAELI ACADEMICS – That the University refuse an academic platform to all Israeli academics who have refused to speak out in condemnation of the recent actions of the Israeli state in Palestine. The University must not become a locus for the dissemination of racist ideology and must take active steps to prevent the proliferation of misinformation. In developing an appropriate policy in this regard, the documentation of the British Committee for the Universities of Palestine (BRICUP) will be relevant.
The occupation would like to make clear that the above demands are issued with the intention of expressing our condemnation of the actions of the Israeli state and in solidarity with the people of Palestine. They are in no way directed against or intended to injure the ordinary people of Israel, many of whom support this and similar actions which have taken place throughout the UK in recent weeks.
Demands
Initial
We Demand...
1. Written confirmation that there will be no disciplinary, academic or legal repercussions for anyone involved in or supporting the occupation
2. That those involved in the occupation are guaranteed respect for their fundamental rights, including freedom of assembly, expression, and movement in and out of the occupied space
3. That the occupation is given uninterrupted access to electricity, water, internet access (including appropriate wifi passwords) and other amenities as appropriate
4. That the principal meet those involved in the occupation at the occupied space to discuss our substantive demands
Substantive
We Demand...
1. STATEMENT - That the University release a statement unequivocally condemning Israeli military action in Palestine, including the despicable bombing of the Islamic University of Gaza. The University should specifically denounce the attacks on civilians, the systematic obstruction of humanitarian aid and the targeting of academic institutions, hospitals, places of worship and international peace keeping facilities. The University should encourage other universities to make such statements, as well as informing the UK and Israeli governments.
2. DEC APPEAL - That the University publicise the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal for Gaza by way of a visible message on the main University website, an email to all students and staff and an announcement at all lectures on campus
3. BOYCOTT - That the University commences with immediate effect a boycott of all Israeli goods (including goods manufactured or supplied by Israeli owned or operated companies) on campus, including in particular Eden Springs water. Further, that the University bans all companies involved in the supply of military equipment to Israel (such as BAE Systems, the Smiths Group and Caterpillar) from all university premises, specifically recruitment events.
4. DISINVESTMENT - That the University disinvests from BAE Systems, Westland helicopters, Lockheed Martin and all other firms or affiliates involved in arms research, manufacture or supply. The University authorities should instruct all financial companies managing University endowment investments & pension schemes to ensure complete disinvestment of University funds from the armaments industry. Such disinvestment is particularly important in light of the fact that these weapons have been used to massacre civilians, commit war crimes and violate international law. Investing in such companies is completely unacceptable.
5. ETHICAL INVESTMENT POLICY - That the University alter its ethical investment policy to ensure such irresponsible and indefensible investment does not occur in future, and releases a statement affirming its commitment to peaceful research and investment in the community. The new ethical investment policy should be developed in dialogue with the student community, such conversation involving specifically the SRC calling an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM).
6. FUNDRAISING - That the University hold a day of fundraising to raise money for the humanitarian effort in Gaza.
We demand that the University commit to a specific date on which fundraising will take place, such efforts being campus-wide and well advertised.
7. ACADEMIC AID - That the University provide academic aid to universities and schools in the Gaza strip, in the form of:
a) The donation of old books, computers and other surplus teaching/administrative/ educational resources, with the shipping of these resources being paid for by the University of Glasgow.
b) The establishment of a twinning programme with universities in Gaza, in solidarity with their plight
8. SCHOLARSHIPS - That the University set up a scholarship scheme which will provide full funding for at least ten Palestinian students to attend the University.
The Principal’s response in this regard is unacceptable. We demand that new scholarships be set up specifically for Palestinian students, in light of the incredible difficulty in securing education in Palestine at present as a result of occupation and recent military action.
9. BOYCOTT ISRAELI ACADEMICS – That the University refuse an academic platform to all Israeli academics who have refused to speak out in condemnation of the recent actions of the Israeli state in Palestine. The University must not become a locus for the dissemination of racist ideology and must take active steps to prevent the proliferation of misinformation. In developing an appropriate policy in this regard, the documentation of the British Committee for the Universities of Palestine (BRICUP) will be relevant.
The occupation would like to make clear that the above demands are issued with the intention of expressing our condemnation of the actions of the Israeli state and in solidarity with the people of Palestine. They are in no way directed against or intended to injure the ordinary people of Israel, many of whom support this and similar actions which have taken place throughout the UK in recent weeks.
The Uni have been very difficult and regardless of what we are calling for (which has been foremost for the Uni to promote the DEC appeal - www.dec.org.uk - and for it to break links with arms companies which sell weapons illegally, supported by petitions with over 1000 student/staff signatures), as a student I am appalled at the way they have acted. Our action is 100% peaceful, lawful and non-intimidatory and we have been open to negotiations from before and during the start of the occupation. The Uni management have refused to respond to our demands and petitions in writing. They have offered to let us send a small delegation to meet the Principal. However, while this might seem like a simple thing to do, in fact they have lied to us already in our talks with them and we are wary about meeting them on their terms. We have always said that Sir Muir Russell was welcome to come and talk to us in a peaceful and orderly meeting, as his representatives Susan Stewart (Head of Corporate Communications) and David Newall (Secretary of the University Court) have done. We also agreed to compromise and send a small delegation to meet Sir Muir in a neutral space in the Computing Sciences building, however this has also been rejected.
They have tried to isolate us and make us look like gung-ho idiots. We are here because we care passionately about the crisis in Gaza and we are taking the opportunity to do something about it. We see ourselves as representing many others who feel the same way. In the space of a few hours today, 321 students and 45 lecturers signed a petition supporting our action. We have also had messages of support from around the world, from MSPs, MPs, Trade Unionists, Academics and ordinary people. Most importantly, we've had this message from the Islamic University of Gaza, which is up on our blog:
http://www.glasgowunioccupation.blogspot.com/
We really need support. Please come to a demo at 11 tomorrow outside of the computing sciences building! There should be speakers including UCU officials and politicians.
Peace
Initial
We Demand...
1. Written confirmation that there will be no disciplinary, academic or legal repercussions for anyone involved in or supporting the occupation
2. That those involved in the occupation are guaranteed respect for their fundamental rights, including freedom of assembly, expression, and movement in and out of the occupied space
3. That the occupation is given uninterrupted access to electricity, water, internet access (including appropriate wifi passwords) and other amenities as appropriate
4. That the principal meet those involved in the occupation at the occupied space to discuss our substantive demands
Substantive
We Demand...
1. STATEMENT - That the University release a statement unequivocally condemning Israeli military action in Palestine, including the despicable bombing of the Islamic University of Gaza. The University should specifically denounce the attacks on civilians, the systematic obstruction of humanitarian aid and the targeting of academic institutions, hospitals, places of worship and international peace keeping facilities. The University should encourage other universities to make such statements, as well as informing the UK and Israeli governments.
2. DEC APPEAL - That the University publicise the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal for Gaza by way of a visible message on the main University website, an email to all students and staff and an announcement at all lectures on campus
3. BOYCOTT - That the University commences with immediate effect a boycott of all Israeli goods (including goods manufactured or supplied by Israeli owned or operated companies) on campus, including in particular Eden Springs water. Further, that the University bans all companies involved in the supply of military equipment to Israel (such as BAE Systems, the Smiths Group and Caterpillar) from all university premises, specifically recruitment events.
4. DISINVESTMENT - That the University disinvests from BAE Systems, Westland helicopters, Lockheed Martin and all other firms or affiliates involved in arms research, manufacture or supply. The University authorities should instruct all financial companies managing University endowment investments & pension schemes to ensure complete disinvestment of University funds from the armaments industry. Such disinvestment is particularly important in light of the fact that these weapons have been used to massacre civilians, commit war crimes and violate international law. Investing in such companies is completely unacceptable.
5. ETHICAL INVESTMENT POLICY - That the University alter its ethical investment policy to ensure such irresponsible and indefensible investment does not occur in future, and releases a statement affirming its commitment to peaceful research and investment in the community. The new ethical investment policy should be developed in dialogue with the student community, such conversation involving specifically the SRC calling an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM).
6. FUNDRAISING - That the University hold a day of fundraising to raise money for the humanitarian effort in Gaza.
We demand that the University commit to a specific date on which fundraising will take place, such efforts being campus-wide and well advertised.
7. ACADEMIC AID - That the University provide academic aid to universities and schools in the Gaza strip, in the form of:
a) The donation of old books, computers and other surplus teaching/administrative/ educational resources, with the shipping of these resources being paid for by the University of Glasgow.
b) The establishment of a twinning programme with universities in Gaza, in solidarity with their plight
8. SCHOLARSHIPS - That the University set up a scholarship scheme which will provide full funding for at least ten Palestinian students to attend the University.
The Principal’s response in this regard is unacceptable. We demand that new scholarships be set up specifically for Palestinian students, in light of the incredible difficulty in securing education in Palestine at present as a result of occupation and recent military action.
9. BOYCOTT ISRAELI ACADEMICS – That the University refuse an academic platform to all Israeli academics who have refused to speak out in condemnation of the recent actions of the Israeli state in Palestine. The University must not become a locus for the dissemination of racist ideology and must take active steps to prevent the proliferation of misinformation. In developing an appropriate policy in this regard, the documentation of the British Committee for the Universities of Palestine (BRICUP) will be relevant.
The occupation would like to make clear that the above demands are issued with the intention of expressing our condemnation of the actions of the Israeli state and in solidarity with the people of Palestine. They are in no way directed against or intended to injure the ordinary people of Israel, many of whom support this and similar actions which have taken place throughout the UK in recent weeks.
Demands
Initial
We Demand...
1. Written confirmation that there will be no disciplinary, academic or legal repercussions for anyone involved in or supporting the occupation
2. That those involved in the occupation are guaranteed respect for their fundamental rights, including freedom of assembly, expression, and movement in and out of the occupied space
3. That the occupation is given uninterrupted access to electricity, water, internet access (including appropriate wifi passwords) and other amenities as appropriate
4. That the principal meet those involved in the occupation at the occupied space to discuss our substantive demands
Substantive
We Demand...
1. STATEMENT - That the University release a statement unequivocally condemning Israeli military action in Palestine, including the despicable bombing of the Islamic University of Gaza. The University should specifically denounce the attacks on civilians, the systematic obstruction of humanitarian aid and the targeting of academic institutions, hospitals, places of worship and international peace keeping facilities. The University should encourage other universities to make such statements, as well as informing the UK and Israeli governments.
2. DEC APPEAL - That the University publicise the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal for Gaza by way of a visible message on the main University website, an email to all students and staff and an announcement at all lectures on campus
3. BOYCOTT - That the University commences with immediate effect a boycott of all Israeli goods (including goods manufactured or supplied by Israeli owned or operated companies) on campus, including in particular Eden Springs water. Further, that the University bans all companies involved in the supply of military equipment to Israel (such as BAE Systems, the Smiths Group and Caterpillar) from all university premises, specifically recruitment events.
4. DISINVESTMENT - That the University disinvests from BAE Systems, Westland helicopters, Lockheed Martin and all other firms or affiliates involved in arms research, manufacture or supply. The University authorities should instruct all financial companies managing University endowment investments & pension schemes to ensure complete disinvestment of University funds from the armaments industry. Such disinvestment is particularly important in light of the fact that these weapons have been used to massacre civilians, commit war crimes and violate international law. Investing in such companies is completely unacceptable.
5. ETHICAL INVESTMENT POLICY - That the University alter its ethical investment policy to ensure such irresponsible and indefensible investment does not occur in future, and releases a statement affirming its commitment to peaceful research and investment in the community. The new ethical investment policy should be developed in dialogue with the student community, such conversation involving specifically the SRC calling an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM).
6. FUNDRAISING - That the University hold a day of fundraising to raise money for the humanitarian effort in Gaza.
We demand that the University commit to a specific date on which fundraising will take place, such efforts being campus-wide and well advertised.
7. ACADEMIC AID - That the University provide academic aid to universities and schools in the Gaza strip, in the form of:
a) The donation of old books, computers and other surplus teaching/administrative/ educational resources, with the shipping of these resources being paid for by the University of Glasgow.
b) The establishment of a twinning programme with universities in Gaza, in solidarity with their plight
8. SCHOLARSHIPS - That the University set up a scholarship scheme which will provide full funding for at least ten Palestinian students to attend the University.
The Principal’s response in this regard is unacceptable. We demand that new scholarships be set up specifically for Palestinian students, in light of the incredible difficulty in securing education in Palestine at present as a result of occupation and recent military action.
9. BOYCOTT ISRAELI ACADEMICS – That the University refuse an academic platform to all Israeli academics who have refused to speak out in condemnation of the recent actions of the Israeli state in Palestine. The University must not become a locus for the dissemination of racist ideology and must take active steps to prevent the proliferation of misinformation. In developing an appropriate policy in this regard, the documentation of the British Committee for the Universities of Palestine (BRICUP) will be relevant.
The occupation would like to make clear that the above demands are issued with the intention of expressing our condemnation of the actions of the Israeli state and in solidarity with the people of Palestine. They are in no way directed against or intended to injure the ordinary people of Israel, many of whom support this and similar actions which have taken place throughout the UK in recent weeks.
The Uni have been very difficult and regardless of what we are calling for (which has been foremost for the Uni to promote the DEC appeal - www.dec.org.uk - and for it to break links with arms companies which sell weapons illegally, supported by petitions with over 1000 student/staff signatures), as a student I am appalled at the way they have acted. Our action is 100% peaceful, lawful and non-intimidatory and we have been open to negotiations from before and during the start of the occupation. The Uni management have refused to respond to our demands and petitions in writing. They have offered to let us send a small delegation to meet the Principal. However, while this might seem like a simple thing to do, in fact they have lied to us already in our talks with them and we are wary about meeting them on their terms. We have always said that Sir Muir Russell was welcome to come and talk to us in a peaceful and orderly meeting, as his representatives Susan Stewart (Head of Corporate Communications) and David Newall (Secretary of the University Court) have done. We also agreed to compromise and send a small delegation to meet Sir Muir in a neutral space in the Computing Sciences building, however this has also been rejected.
They have tried to isolate us and make us look like gung-ho idiots. We are here because we care passionately about the crisis in Gaza and we are taking the opportunity to do something about it. We see ourselves as representing many others who feel the same way. In the space of a few hours today, 321 students and 45 lecturers signed a petition supporting our action. We have also had messages of support from around the world, from MSPs, MPs, Trade Unionists, Academics and ordinary people. Most importantly, we've had this message from the Islamic University of Gaza, which is up on our blog:
http://www.glasgowunioccupation.blogspot.com/ We really need support. Please come to a demo at 11 tomorrow outside of the computing sciences building! There should be speakers including UCU officials and politicians.
Peace
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