‘We are the students’: All the protests taking over UK uni campuses right now

Students have long been considered significant catalysts for change when it comes to protesting, with a number of large scale demonstrations occurring on UK campuses. Throughout the conflict in Gaza, student encampment and occupations have frequented university buildings up and down the country.

From walk outs to workshops, here are all the student protests across UK uni campuses right now.

University of Liverpool

A group of student protestors are currently occupying the Abercromby Square area of University of Liverpool campus, in a show of solidarity for Palestinians during the ongoing conflicts in Gaza. The university has since said that the occupation “has not been authorised” and that it will be taking steps to vacate the students from the area.

The occupation has been in place since March 19th, and a number of activities have been scheduled for students participating in the encampment, including banner making, kite decoration and talks and workshops from speakers. The occupation is calling for the University of Liverpool’s divestment in weapons companies and is calling for its assistance in helping rebuild Gaza.

In a statement shared on Instagram, the Students of Alareer Square Liverpool coalition wrote: “We cannot stand back and let our university be complicit. Despite the university’s efforts to intimidate us, the student movement is stronger than ever and we will not stop protesting until the university makes the necessary steps to cut ties.” 

In a statement last week, the university shared an update on the occupation where it explained it is working to “minimise” disruption.

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A university spokesperson said: “Abercromby Square is a popular green space on our city centre campus for students and staff, particularly during the spring and summer months and it is used for university events and activities, for example during graduations. It is private land which can be reasonably used by members of our community for a variety of activities, with the appropriate permissions and risk assessments in place.

“We respect the right of our staff and students to protest about any issue, peacefully and lawfully, but this must be balanced against safeguarding the University’s activities and operations. The university has not given permission for the Square to be used in this way and the current occupation makes the space inaccessible to others. As such, we are taking responsible and reasonable steps to ensure that the space is vacated and can be returned to normal use, for the benefit of everyone in our community.”

London School of Economics

Students at LSE staged a protest outside campus earlier this month, fighting for the university’s divestment from Israeli companies.

Protestors gathered with flags and signs, one of which read “LSE Jews against Zionism”. A message was also projected onto a university building which read “LSE divest”. During the rally, students called for “divestment and a free Palestine!”.

In an Instagram caption, the LSE Liberated Zone movement claimed:  “Zionist agitators are not welcome on our campus!”

Kings College London

Also part of London Student Action, a coalition of student action groups across London universities, is King’s College London.

KCL Students for Justice for Palestine has organised frequent walk outs, workshops and protests throughout the past few months. Outside of campus, it’s organised a charity hike to raise money for those affected by the ongoing conflicts.

One student organisation declared on Instagram: “Students must have access to a comprehensive education that does not bow to political pressure, and universities must understand that Zionist groups do not speak for all Jewish students.”

University of Sheffield

Earlier this month, Sheffield Campus Coalition for Palestine disrupted a meeting of senior university officials, calling for them to cut ties with arms manufacturers. It also alleged that the university had “repressed” students.

The group’s actions have previously seen them disrupt the Octagon Centres Career Fair and the Education Awards at the university, with a student block organised for April 5th.

University of Edinburgh

Last week, a group of protestors blocked the entrance to the University of Edinburgh’s finance building, demanding that the university cuts ties with companies alleged to be connected to Israel and the war in Gaza.

Earlier in the month, students from the Justice for Palestine Society staged a hunger strike in an encampment in the Old College Quad. A protest on Friday 28th March also saw a student protester “attacked” by a man with a box cutter, leaving a large cut on his face.

In a statement following the incident, a University of Edinburgh spokesperson said: “We are aware of the incident, which is now a matter for the Police. We are working with them to assist with their enquiries and will provide support to anyone in our community affected.Safety on our campus is our utmost priority, and we have experienced teams in place to ensure the welfare of our community.”

University of Glasgow

A campaign by the Glasgow University Justice for Palestine Society has seen around 200 students gather for an on campus encampment to protest the universities investments in arms companies alleged to have ties to Israel and the war in Gaza. It is said that multiple people protesting are on hunger strike.

Students also demonstrated at open day on campus, where chants of “viva viva, Palestina” and “Up, up with liberation, down, down with occupation” were chanted.

Outlined in their list of demands for the university, students called for an “immediate and unconditional divestment” from arms companies, as well as a cut in research ties. They also ask that the University of Glasgow bans arms companies from campus and does not persecute student activists.

A previous comment given by a University of Glasgow spokesperson said: “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 unlawful activities which interfere with the rights of others to go about their business in peace.”

SOAS

via Instagram

A pro-Palestine protest was organised for Wednesday 2nd April on campus against “fascist-aligned agitators on our campuses.” Organised by SOAS Jewish Society, students are protesting to encourage an “attack on truth, justice, and liberation.”

Students also held a vigil on campus on Tuesday for “Hossam Shabbat, Mohamed Mansour and all our honourable journalists” that were killed in the conflict.

University of Bristol

A collective group of students from UOB and UWE staged a protest outside the Wills Memorial Building last week to protest “unlawful practises of the Turkish government”. The group are raising awareness following the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, Turkish President Erdogan’s main political rival.

A University of Bristol spokesperson said: “We support the right to freedom of expression and for students to engage in lawful, peaceful protest on matters that are important to them.”

University of Glasgow, University of Sheffield, King’s College London, University of Edinburgh were contacted for comment. 

Featured image via Unsplash