Lancaster University Students’ Union responds to encampment in Alexandra Square

Lancaster University Students’ Union has released a statement in response to the pro-Palestine encampment in Alexandra Square which began on Thursday morning.

Students from the university set up tents and banners at around 11am on Thursday morning and released their demands for the university.

On Thursday afternoon, LUSU released a press statement in response to the protests. A spokesperson for the Students’ Union said:

“On Thursday a group of organising students came together in Alexandra Square to protest the ongoing war and to stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine.

As a union we support the rights of students and staff all to organise, protest, and exercise their freedom of speech. Following the response to student protests in the United States, the wellbeing and safety of our students is our main priority.

Your Vice-President Welfare and Students’ Union Chief Executive are meeting with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor to discuss student safety and wellbeing and the University’s response to the protests.”

Josh Newsham, the VP Welfare for LUSU, also released a statement saying:

“Last term we published a statement on the ongoing effect of the conflict on our students and in support of the people of the middle east to self-determination of their nation and government. The people of Palestine and Israel deserve to flourish in a life free from persecution, terrorism, and war.

 “The well-being of the protestors and students on campus is our main priority so we have organised hygiene essentials to be available from the Students’ Union. Our Pantry and Supper Club are available to students on campus and showers located behind the Students’ Union Office. I am in on-going dialogue with the relevant students and communities. We also continue to urge the University to engage in dialogue with student communities and organisers. 

“We ask that security and police presence on campus meets students with compassion, dignity, and the respect for freedom of speech.”

The spokesperson for LUSU added:

“We encourage our students to be political, and take action on movements and causes they believe in – in a respectful and safe manner. We understand that this will be an extremely difficult time for many students, especially those with friends and family in the region. 

“If you witness any incidents of racism, islamophobia, or antisemitism, we urge you to report this to the Students’ Union Advice Service who can support with complaints and hate-crime reporting.

“For any urgent safeguarding concerns please contact the Students’ Union Safeguarding lead on 07376 427552.

“The Union of Jewish Students have opened a Welfare Hotline for students on 02074243288.

“Support and information about Islamophobia from the Muslim Council of Britain can be found here.

“If you witness any incidents of racism, islamophobia, or antisemitism, we urge you to report this to the Students’ Union Advice Service who can support with complaints and hate-crime reporting.”

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