Wednesday 08-05-2024 - 09:34

I wanted to share our position on protests happening on university campuses across the UK and the United States now, and what I've said, in students' interests, to the Vice-Chancellor and DU leadership in the event Durham students choose to pursue the same course of action.

First - protest is a right protected by law that I cherish, defend and promote. The student movement has been consistently on the right side of history, and student protest has a proud heritage of achieving progressive change.

The dehumanisation and genocide of the Palestinian people is the struggle of our generation and must be opposed.

Second - protest should disrupt, raise awareness, and mobilise support but it shouldn't harm. When protests harm innocent people, the power of the protest is harmed too.

Third - above all, Durham University must respect the right to protest and show students that they're already in mature dialogue with me and the SU about the demands of the campaign.

While I would urge all students to engage in respectful dialogue with the demands and context of these protests, some students don't want to engage, want to go about their business, and not suffer abuse for doing so. I also defend their right to privacy and safety.

Antisemitic and anti-Muslim abuse increases when protests take place on campus. Durham students are a community that cares for each other. We know that part of this care is not hesitating when calling out hate on campus when we see it. We have shown many times this year that this is not at odds with speaking up for what we believe in.

Crucially, the hateful actions of individuals are never a justification for the collective brutalisation of all protestors by the police, as has happened in numerous recent protests in both the United States and the UK.

I agree with most of the demands of these protesters across the UK. I don't agree with all of them.

We reaffirm that the University must publish a statement calling for an immediate ceasefire, an end to violence, and an end to the illegal occupation of Palestine.

We have already urged the University to play a meaningful role in rebuilding education in Palestine. The University is seeking status as a University of Sanctuary. As part of this conversation, we've asked for dedicated provision of resources within this work towards Palestinian reconstruction.

Durham SU won't ask the University to stop using the IHRA definition of antisemitism. It isn't perfect, but it is the definition that Durham SU has adopted, at the urging of our Jewish students.

I support the demand that the University enter into conversations with the Durham community about its investment policy and portfolio. We are therefore asking for a review and report on all university investments and the adoption of a new responsible investment and partnerships policy, like the University of York.

In the event of an encampment, the SU is on hand to support all students’ wellbeing with our usual facilities available.

If you choose to participate in a discussion around what is an incredibly sensitive issue, please be aware that you might encounter ideas which may challenge or distress you. In these interactions, prioritise your humanity, wellbeing and the safety of yourself and those around you. Our community is hurting, fearful and grieving. In times like this, we must place compassion above all else.

If you witness any incidents of racism, antisemitism or islamophobia, please report it through the appropriate channels.

Do also read our previous statement on the Middle East, available here.

We look forward to providing an update on these conversations in the future.