Glasgow Uni students announce hunger strike amid building occupation

Three University of Glasgow students have begun a hunger strike, demanding the institution sever its ties with arms companies.

This comes as part of an ongoing occupation of the Charles Wilson Building, led by Glasgow Against Arms and Fossil Fuels (GAAF) and the Glasgow University Justice for Palestine Society (GUJPS).

The protest began at approximately 9am on Wednesday 19th March and follows a series of demonstrations, including a previous one-day occupation of the Charles Wilson Building on Friday 7th February and the alleged recent banning of maths student Hannah Taylor from campus. Hannah was said to be prohibited from attending on-campus lectures and seminars after allegedly participating in a protest involving red paint being sprayed on the James McCune Smith Building (JMS).

At around 10am, GAAF issued a follow-up statement announcing that three students had commenced a hunger strike. The strikers are calling for the university to hold an emergency meeting and divest from arms companies generating over 10 per cent of their profits from weapon manufacturing.

At 2:26 pm, reports indicated an increased police presence, with around 12 officers stationed in front of the Charles Wilson Building. Another post published just before 3pm shows a number of officers standing in front of the building whilst protestors stand behind them holding flags.

In a press release issued, GAAF announced that approximately 30 students are taking part in the current occupation. They have renamed the Charles Wilson Building the Ahmad Manasra Building, in honour of a convicted Palestinian prisoner.

Demands from protesters

The student activists have outlined several demands:

• The University must divest from arms companies.
• End all research partnerships with arms manufacturers across the engineering, physics and astronomy, chemistry, and mathematics departments.

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• Prohibit arms companies and pro-Israel representatives from attending campus events such as career fairs.
• Lift the campus ban on Hannah Taylor and ensure no disciplinary actions against those participating in the occupation.

A spokesperson from GAAF said: “We are taking this action because the University continues to profit from and collaborate with the arms industry, contributing to violence and oppression. The University must act in accordance with the democratic will of its students.”

Hunger strike announcement

An hour after their initial statement, GAAF issued a follow-up announcing that three students would commence a hunger strike.

According to the group, the strike will continue until the University holds an emergency meeting and votes to divest from arms companies generating over 10 per cent of their profits from weapons manufacturing.

A participating hunger striker stated: “We are putting our bodies on the line because words and peaceful protests have not been enough. The University must acknowledge its complicity and take action.”

Another student involved in the strike said: “We have tried every single other avenue and now we are left with this extreme form of protest. We will continue to show our solidarity with the Palestinian people.”

University response

The University of Glasgow has yet to publicly respond to the latest protest. In November 2024, a student vote on divestment showed that 70 per cent of participants supported cutting ties with the arms industry. Despite the vote, the University Court ultimately ruled against divestment.

In an internal email to colleagues and students, David Duncan, Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary, stated: “I am sorry to inform members, colleagues, and students that protestors have once again entered the Sir Charles Wilson Building.

“There may be disruption to classes scheduled for that building this morning. Timetabling will do their best to reschedule classes for that building this morning.

“We apologise to all staff and students whose teaching and learning may be disrupted by this action.”

Student reactions to occupation

Student reactions to the occupation have been mixed.

One third year student remarked: “It’s inspiring to see students stand up for what they believe in, but I’m concerned about the disruption to campus life.”

Another student expressed support for the protestors, saying: “The hunger strike is a powerful statement that highlights the urgency of the situation.”

A Palestinian student occupying the building told The National: “I’m here today because Western institutions cannot keep profiting off the blood of my people in Palestine with immunity.

“As students of conscience, we’re here to hold this shamelessly complicit university accountable and show them that no repressive action they take will deter us from fighting for Palestinian liberation.”

A University spokesperson responded: “The University of Glasgow upholds the right to freedom of expression, including the right of staff and students to engage in peaceful demonstrations. However, we do not tolerate activities which interfere with the rights of others to go about their business in peace. As an institution, we stand against hate or harassment of any kind.”

The occupation is ongoing, with GAAF issuing a callout on social media for supplies, including sleeping bags and mats.

Further developments are expected in the coming days.

Featured image via GAAF