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University of Leeds UCU solidarity with the student encampment

UCU University of Leeds Branch Posted on by

Dear all,

University of Leeds UCU stand in solidarity with the University of Leeds students who have set up an encampment on campus in support of the Palestinian people and to protest the University’s complicity in the Israeli government’s apartheid and genocide. The encampment is a peaceful protest, continuing in a long tradition of protest on campus, and connecting with the current worldwide movement of student encampments for Palestine. We share the sentiments expressed by UCU last week in support of all students and staff taking a stand for Palestine.

We note with alarm that the students in the Leeds encampment have been harassed, intimidated, and attacked. We condemn hostility towards peaceful protesters and demand the University respect and uphold the students’ rights to safety and freedom of speech. 

We call on the University to engage meaningfully with the encampment’s demands, taking inspiration from the actions of the management of Goldsmiths University of London last week. We reiterate our calls from earlier this year for the University’s senior management to listen to the students and to preserve their right to protest without threat of violence, fear, or disciplinary action.

As well as publishing this statement of solidarity, the committee has made a donation to the encampment to enable them to obtain needed supplies and resources. 

What can you do to help? 

  1. Visit the students, chat with them, see how they are doing.
  1. Offer to do a Teach-Out (either go and talk to the students, or email ucu@leeds.ac.uk with the Subject line ‘Teach-Out’
  1. Donate to their PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/StudentCoalition
  1. Donate some of the following items: 
  1. High priority: hot water bottles; hand warmers; plastic storages boxes; (30cx20cmx20cm and bigger); One/Two man tents; Gazebos; Blankets; Tent pegs.
  2. Also asking for: cushions; coloured chalk; duct tape; fabric for banners; insulated shopping bags, Palestine bunting and flags
  3. If you would like to be involved in working with other UCU colleagues to support the students, please email ucu@leeds.ac.uk with the Subject line “Supporting the students”.

In solidarity

University of Leeds UCU branch committee

This page was last updated on 7 May 2024

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