Student suing Bangor Uni after she was banned from protesting at a graduation ceremony

A student is suing Bangor University after she was “dragged” off the stage at a graduation ceremony for protesting.

Aishah AlBader has accused the institution of assault, false imprisonment, and breaching her human rights after security stopped her from walking across the stage at graduation.

It was reported that the Bangor University student planned to hold up a pillowcase which read “Bangor University invests in genocide”.

Aishah was a part of a local student group which campaigned against Bangor University’s alleged investments into companies which are reported to be complicit in Israel.

In regard to the incident’s motive, she said: “Knowing that Bangor University continues to invest in companies complicit in this devastation, I felt I could not simply accept my degree in silence.

“I knew I had to use that platform to centre those oppressed and dehumanised in Palestine.”

After the incident occurred, the student expressed how she was left “injured and humiliated” after being “dragged off stage”.

She added: “My parents travelled thousands of miles to watch my graduation, and it should have been a moment of joy and pride.

“I don’t believe that holding a pillowcase should ever provoke violence, and the pillowcase I held at my graduation revealed a truth that the university is desperate to hide.”

According to Middle East Eye, a video of the incident has gained up to 150,000 views showing security preventing Aishah from protesting.

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Bangor University has received a 20-page letter sent from Aishah’s lawyers which reinforces the goal of the event was to protest the universities investment involvement peacefully.

Alexander Hogg, the student’s lawyer, criticised Bangor University for the incident, describing Aishah as brave in her decision to supposedly hold the university accountable.

Mr Hogg said: “Ensuring that universities are held to account then they violate students’ right to protest and free speech, such as in the case of my client, not only protects the right to protest and speak out against what is happening in Palestine, it protects the right to protest and speak out on all issues of public importance for everyone.”

When commenting on freedom of speech and the right to protest, he added: “Safeguarding freedom of expression and the right to protest requires upholding them not only when it is convenient but when it is uncomfortable – such as during graduation ceremonies when principled students draw much needed public attention to universities.”

Bangor University has been approached for comment but has not yet responded.

Featured image via @eye.on.palestine on Instagram