Pro Palestine protestors disrupted an anniversary event for the University of Warwick’s 60th birthday

During a 60th anniversary birthday event for Warwick University, pro Palestine supporters disrupted the celebration with a rally and protest, causing celebrations to move location and disrupt winter graduation.

Warwick uni has just turned 60, as detailed on the uni webpage earlier this year: ”the countdown has begun to a programme of celebratory events which mark six decades of education, research, and infinite curiosity since its inception in 1965.” 

Chancellor Gawanas stated in a press release about the start of the 60th anniversary ”60 years is such a big milestone and I’m really honoured that I’ve become Chancellor of the University during its 60th anniversary year. The University has spread knowledge across the world and I hope it can continue to do that for many more years to come.”

But, the celebrations didn’t go as planned on the 22nd January 2025, offering cake for 600 people amongst winter graduation as WSWP (Warwick stands with Palestine) protestors attended the event, disrupting the celebrations. The group had organised a protest to coincide with the event, organised outside Senate house. Their instagram post (detailed below) describes a ”rally and campaign launch” to protest that ”the University still has partnerships and investments with weapons companies facilitating ethnic cleansing of Palestinians.”

The WSWP protestors marched towards the Piazza, congregating there just as the birthday event was beginning, carrying a banner inscribed with the slogans ”Rolls Royce Powers Genocide” and ”Arms Off Campus” and chanting in attempts to disrupt the celebrations. Some chants were targeted towards the graduation, using the refrain ”your graduation won’t set you free, be the change you want to see”.

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The rally did succeed in disrupting the event, with organisers moving it from piazza to T-bar and just after 1pm vice-chancellor Stuart Croft, Chancellor Bience Gawanas and SU President Enaya Nihal greeted the crowds attending the event, despite protestors at the entrances to Atrium and Rootes buildings.

WSWP protestors turned attention towards the faculty directly addressing them, as Croft released a countdown and confetti before leaving the scene. Protestors described the executives as ”literally looking down on us” the Boar reports.

A University spokesperson said in response to the disruption, “We managed this planned rally in line with our legal duty and commitment to freedom of speech where our students were able to voice their opinions. Whilst we recognise that freedom of speech is a vital component of university life,  we will continue to urge our students to respect the views of others even when they are different to their own. Ensuring the wellbeing and safety of our community is our top priority. We continue to offer advice and help to all our students and staff through our support services.”

Warwick SU was contacted for comment.

Featured image via youtube