Glasgow University students have entered into an occupation and have a facebook group and blog for keeping track of events.
Glasgow University students have entered into occupation
We are currently occupying the top floor of the Computer Science building in solidarity with the Gazan people, and in protest to the war crimes committed by the state of Israel against the Palestinian people, the University’s complicity in this via links to the arms trade, and the BBC’s refusal to show the DEC appeal.If you want to join the occupation, or show your support outside, the Computer Science building is located behind the Queen Margaret Union, and opposite the Boyd Orr building.In Solidarity,The Occupying Students of Glasgow UniversityWe Demand…
1. STATEMENT – That the University release a statement unequivocally condemning Israeli military action in Palestine, including the despicable bombing of the Islamic University of Gaza. The University should specifically denounce the attacks on civilians, the systematic obstruction of humanitarian aid and the targeting of academic institutions, hospitals, places of worship and international peace keeping facilities. The University should encourage other universities to make such statements, as well as informing the UK and Israeli governments.
2. DEC APPEAL – That the University publicise the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal for Gaza by way of a visible message on the main University website, an email to all students and staff and an announcement at all lectures on campus
3. BOYCOTT – That the University commences with immediate effect a boycott of all Israeli goods (including goods manufactured or supplied by Israeli owned or operated companies) on campus, including in particular Eden Springs water. Further, that the University bans all companies involved in the supply of military equipment to Israel (such as BAE Systems, the Smiths Group and Caterpillar) from all university premises, specifically recruitment events.
4. DISINVESTMENT – That the University disinvests from BAE Systems, Westland helicopters, Lockheed Martin and all other firms or affiliates involved in arms research, manufacture or supply. The University authorities should instruct all financial companies managing University endowment investments & pension schemes to ensure complete disinvestment of University funds from the armaments industry. Such disinvestment is particularly important in light of the fact that these weapons have been used to massacre civilians, commit war crimes and violate international law. Investing in such companies is completely unacceptable.
5. ETHICAL INVESTMENT POLICY – That the University alter its ethical investment policy to ensure such irresponsible and indefensible investment does not occur in future, and releases a statement affirming its commitment to peaceful research and investment in the community. The new ethical investment policy should be developed in dialogue with the student community, such conversation involving specifically the SRC calling an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM).
6. FUNDRAISING – That the University hold a day of fundraising to raise money for the humanitarian effort in Gaza.
We demand that the University commit to a specific date on which fundraising will take place, such efforts being campus-wide and well advertised.
7. ACADEMIC AID – That the University provide academic aid to universities and schools in the Gaza strip, in the form of:
a) The donation of old books, computers and other surplus teaching/administrative/ educational resources, with the shipping of these resources being paid for by the University of Glasgow.
b) The establishment of a twinning programme with universities in Gaza, in solidarity with their plight
8. SCHOLARSHIPS – That the University set up a scholarship scheme which will provide full funding for at least ten Palestinian students to attend the University.
The Principal’s response in this regard is unacceptable. We demand that new scholarships be set up specifically for Palestinian students, in light of the incredible difficulty in securing education in Palestine at present as a result of occupation and recent military action.
9. BOYCOTT ISRAELI ACADEMICS – That the University refuse an academic platform to all Israeli academics who have refused to speak out in condemnation of the recent actions of the Israeli state in Palestine. The University must not become a locus for the dissemination of racist ideology and must take active steps to prevent the proliferation of misinformation. In developing an appropriate policy in this regard, the documentation of the British Committee for the Universities of Palestine (BRICUP) will be relevant.
P U L S E 
Look, get a fucking life! what can you do? your protests are MAKING NO FUCKING DIFFERENCE! All you are doing is pissing fucktards like us!
The Editor: Can’t speak for Glasgow students, but you’d have to go beyond Page 3 and the sports page to discover that difference is indeed being made.
Erm, Mr Smith, that’s not a very wise attitude. The Suffragettes, the civil rights movement, the anti-apartheid movement, and the Chartists all faced difficulties, but without the latter (if you are a white, non-aristocratic male), you wouldn’t have the right to vote, or the right to an education. You should really reflect on history and on your position within it, and thank all of these people. I hope you feel better about things thereafter.
Hi there,
I am in the stats department and i was wondering if you were willing supply your degrees, without names.
I am doing a study as to the motivation and thinking patterns of different students.
thanks
Ross
ok, iv read that link you gave me – now answer me this. What difference do those demands make to the people of gaza and their problems. Ill give you an answer, absolutely nothing. If you want to do something that matters why dont you leave uni and volunteer to try and physically give aid to these poor people. The demands you are making are so petty and on such a small scale globally that you are doing nothing to help the actual people involved in this conflict. It seems to me that you are only feeding your egos as “do-gooders”.
I should point out that i am not pro israel or pro palestine, im just someone who has had their day completely interrupted protest – i say again, you are changing NOTHING
John, you are entitled to your opinion, and the students are entitled to act and to disagree in turn. Small scale actions? They are often the most effective and do-able, and an essential part of the spectrum of the plurality of actions that can be undertaken. Boycott Divest and Sanctions (BDS) are what Palestinians themselves support, and these students are to be lauded for their efforts and successes.
There are people who are engaged in volunteering to give aid physically, most notably in the Free Gaza campaign, and perhaps you do not know that in their latest voyages they were fired upon by the israeli military and their boats full of aid forced to turn back. This campaign comes after a two year siege where israel has severely curtailed movement and created an open-air prison, restricting international visitors from entering (even journalists were not allowed in during the horrific assault on Gaza over the few weeks commencing Dec 27th, in which israel committed yet more warcrimes. If you think risking one’s life (Free Gaza voyages) and sacrificing one’s time as these students are doing is about “feeding one’s ego” you are quite mistaken.
Perhaps Eleanor Roosevelt’s words will give you pause for thought:
–Eleanor Roosevelt, “The Great Question,” remarks delivered at the United Nations in New York on March 27, 1958.
“Can’t speak for Glasgow students”
No you can’t but neither can these occupiers. From the photos I see about 40 students at most actually taking part in the protest. And they seem to believe they have the right to dictate how the University of Glasgow is run ignoring the fact that there are thousands of other students and staff.
What exactly gives this one group of protesters a mandate to demand the University change its policies?
And they seem to believe they have the right to dictate how the University of Glasgow is run ignoring the fact that there are thousands of other students and staff.
What exactly gives this one group of protesters a mandate to demand the University change its policies?
Action. As opposed to the inaction and complacence of the ‘thousands of other students and staff’ in the face of crimes against humanity. Anyone who doesn’t have the compassion and humanity to feel outraged enough to act has forfeited their right to be counted, let alone being heard.
Nonsense, this is a pointless and annoying protest which will achieve nothing.
“Action. As opposed to the inaction and complacence of the ‘thousands of other students and staff’ in the face of crimes against humanity” – maybe these people have things to do in their life, like for example a university course to complete and work towards
“Anyone who doesn’t have the compassion and humanity to feel outraged enough to act has forfeited their right to be counted, let alone being heard.” – and now your saying if you disagree with us your wrong, an argument Hitler would have been proud of, and he was anti-Semitic too
Glad to see that political apathy hasn’t got a complete grip on students yet! I support the action being taken, hopefully others will follow suit. Keep it going.
two thumbs up for Glasgow U students
Solidarity greetings from Socialist Aotearoa here in New Zealand. At a meeting of activists tonight, we voted unanimously to send a message of support for your occupation. We applaud the principled stance of students across the UK taking direct action in support of the people of Gaza, and we look forward to hearing more about your struggle. We will be holding a ‘Valentine for Palestine’ fundraiser this Saturday, and have also been holding protests in support of the people of Gaza. Students come back to university here at the start of next month, and we will ensure that news of your inspiring actions is widely reported on their return, which will hopefully encourage them to take similar action. Your demands are clear, and you should be confident that student protests do make a difference, not least, because your work has a resonance across the world. If any of you have the chance to visit New Zealand, please let us know – you can be confident of a warm welcome from fellow activists, and we would love you to tell us about the exciting debates you are surely engaged in. We wish you all the best, and stand beside you in spirit, if not in person. Kia kaha (‘stay strong’ – in Maori language)
i have no problem with almost all ur demands, ALMOST all. but to boycot all product used by the isreali (spelt wrong i know) is insane. u would need to boycot all brands of food they eat, all computer systems they use (which u are probably using just now). to totally boycot it life would pretty much have to shut down. im an aero student and fully intend on looking at bae for future imployment. they are a huge empoymer in britain and u are really pissing alot of the eng faculty off with this. secondly why should they get scholarships over any other country in hardship, should we give they australians scholarships because they are have brush fires? or people in zimbabwa (again no doubt spelt wrong)? i dont know how scholarships work but i assume those who work hard enough get them. but apart from that fair does, just give it a by with the bae shite and it ll all be gravy.
Quote:
“9. BOYCOTT ISRAELI ACADEMICS – That the University refuse an academic platform to all Israeli academics who have refused to speak out in condemnation of the recent actions of the Israeli state in Palestine. The University must not become a locus for the dissemination of racist ideology and must take active steps to prevent the proliferation of misinformation. In developing an appropriate policy in this regard, the documentation of the British Committee for the Universities of Palestine (BRICUP) will be relevant.”
Yes what a brilliant idea lets become discriminative against people who have done nothing wrong and who just dont want to say anything bad about what their country has done. You lot need to look at the bigger picture. There is more stuff going on in other parts of the world that is many times worse than what is happening in Gaza but doesnt get broadcast to the world. I do not condone what happened and is happening in Gaza but i think that there is more to worry about than just one part of the world. And to be honest we need to get our own country sorted before we can start critising others. You idio.. sorry protestors need to realise that you cannot dictate tell others to make changes just because you think they are need to be made. You dont speak for everyone and you definetely dont speak for me and never will because i would never waste my time taking over a floor of a university building. There are better ways to get your message outthere. you are just proving to be an irritation to many people.
I find the supposed ‘neutrality’ of some of the comments here seems to be focusing on how the students ‘won’t change anything’ or are ‘ruining your day’…pretty telling.
Maybe you could educate yourself on some of the demands of the students. It is scandalous that any university or teaching institution should be run like a business atall. But,the fact they could be involved with corporations that are an intergral part of the war-machine which causes the devastation seen in Gaza is truly shocking – a more than valuable for the students’ action.
absoluteLY LUDACRIS!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
…so what’s your suggestion? sit on our fucking arses because we can? support the zionist occupation because glasgow uni is a historically reactionary uni?
Naw, I reckon not. Come back when you’ve got, y’know, an actual political position as opposed to “Oh no, people are getting in the way of our careers”.
In reply to Cam and Alan, thank you for your posts, certainly more thought out criticism than some!
Just a few points in reply. Firstly regarding BAE systems.
The point we(yes I occupied Strathclyde) are making is that for all the brilliant minds which come through our engineering departments, is there not a much better use for this talent than killing civilians? We know for a fact that other, more ethical companies have also bid for the same research contracts with the universities….can we not put our time into say, new wind turbines, offshore wave power, nuclear fusion, superconductors, medical hardware, something which will actually benefit us all???
Research done on weapons in universities contrubutes directly and indirectly to suffering around the world, like it or not. The UK sells arms to 18 out of 20 contries identified by the UN as violating human rights. Do you really want to turn a blind eye, for the sake of a career? There are other careers with the same degree which are just as highly paid! And its not just BAE systems i know, its the whole arms industry which is being targeted.
“There is more stuff going on in other parts of the world that is many times worse than what is happening in Gaza”
I’m not sure what is much worse than murdering children by the hundred? Perhaps you could enlighten me?
“sorry protestors need to realise that you cannot dictate tell others to make changes just because you think they are need to be made.”
Actually, we can. And we did. And we will do again.
That is the point in an occupation. At first, obviously the uni says they will not change their position. Fine. You’re not getting you’re building back until you do. Its called direct action and it works.
Can I point out to you that this was the 20th? occupation of a British Uni, so the students at Glasgow were not alone. The world is watching, and rest assured, we will make a difference.
If you disagree so strongly with our position and our politics, then mobilise, get your counter arguement out there and your supporters active. This is a democracy after all.
I look forward to it. In the meantime,
In our thousands and our millions…………..
Alan writes:
Yes what a brilliant idea lets become discriminative against people who have done nothing wrong and who just dont want to say anything bad about what their country has done.
Imagine that! Asking someone to speak out against the crimes of their country? It appears it hasn’t occured to our ‘big picture’ sage that the biggest crime the Israeli state is accused of is precisely DISCRIMINATION. Not just against the those whose land it criminally occupies, but the non-Jews within its borders. So in reality, what you are arguing for is impunity for those who discriminate racially. Yes, we discriminate too: but on principle. Between those who accept commonly accepted principles of humanity and compassion, and those who don’t. (Why, are you against the Palestinians right to education? Their right to self-determination? If not, do you find it particularly onerous to say so? Nothing more is being demanded of the Isarelis).
You lot need to look at the bigger picture.
We do, hence the action. Shame you can’t.
There is more stuff going on in other parts of the world that is many times worse than what is happening in Gaza but doesnt get broadcast to the world. I do not condone what happened and is happening in Gaza but i think that there is more to worry about than just one part of the world.
That is like arguing that one shouldn’t buy the Big Issue because there is always someone who needs the £1.50 more. But it also shows how detached from reality these ignorant dunces are who have nothing better to do than carp about those who reject complacence. Unlike say Tibet, the UK government is directly involved in the I-P conflict. It materially aids, and diplomatically shields one party to the conflict. And lest you forget, the whole problem is rooted in the perfidies of imperial Britain.
Why are you showing solidarity with a nation that persecutes, tortures, arrests and in the past, has killed gay citizens? That discriminates against women on almost every aspect of social life? That is totalitarian in nature, and follows the rules of Islam to the detriment of its own citizens and indeed the citizens of those countries which it attacks?
It is one thing to show support with the suffering citizens. It is quite another to show support to what is, for all intents and purposes, a backwards and dangerous country.
Why are you showing solidarity with a nation that persecutes, tortures, arrests and in the past, has killed gay citizens? That discriminates against women on almost every aspect of social life?
Looks like you got your countries mixed up. No one here is showing solidarity with Israel.
That is totalitarian in nature, and follows the rules of Islam to the detriment of its own citizens and indeed the citizens of those countries which it attacks?
I don’t think Israel follows the rules of Islam (why, are you a anti-muslim bigot?), however, you are right, it does work to the detriment of its own citizens and the citizens of those countries which it attacks.
It is quite another to show support to what is, for all intents and purposes, a backwards and dangerous country.
You are right, that is why we are calling for divestment from Israel. It is indeed a retrograde and dangerous country, and has launched unprovoked attacks on each one of its neighbours. Within the 60 years of its existence, it has launched 6 major wars.
I’m glad we have your support, even if we find your anti-Islam bigotry repugnant.
Despite being a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause, I take issue with this protest and the way it is being carried out. Since it’s 1AM however, I’m only going to raise issue with one logical problem in your manifesto.
“…investment in the community”
Glasgow University investing in BAE Systems is investing in the community. You can see BAE facilities from the University and they are one of the largest employers in Strathclyde.
You would all do well to remember however, that Universities are places to foster freedom of thought. Rather then trying to get the university to force a political stand point on us, you should be appealing to us as individuals to make up our own minds.
It’s mildly insulting to be told, after 5 years of study, that rather then be able to make my own choice at a graduate fair, I should only be able to investigate recruiters that are deemed ‘ethical’ by a partisan political movement.
Glasgow University investing in BAE Systems is investing in the community. You can see BAE facilities from the University and they are one of the largest employers in Strathclyde.
The producers of Zyklon B and Agent Orange were also providing plenty of employment. Would that count as investment in community? Or am I being a ‘partisan’ with a ‘political’ agenda if I think that investing in the business of death and destruction is unethical?
If employment is the criteria you are going by, then you can hardly invoke ‘freeom of thought’, since the decision is being made of necessity rather than of choice. But if there is a choice, a person is choosing a weapons manufacturer over a more useful industry, then perhaps the person could use some adult supervision.
Good lord, that’s a quick invocation of Godwin’s Law ;)
Is BAE currently producing chemical weapons? I was under the impression their production was outlawed in Britain and their sale largely banned in and by European states.
I’d also be interested in whither or not you support other arms companies? After all, the Israelis aren’t the only ones bombing civilian populations (although unlike Hamas, they are the only ones using disproportionate force).
This protest does seem to be partisan. The strong involvement of socialist political groups but not more moderate parties is telling and there is no way this is anything but political.
I’m not sure where you are getting the ‘necessity’ from. People should have the right to choose who to work for and the University shouldn’t be censoring it’s career fairs. We’re not idiots, let us make our own choices. I also see no reason why ‘freedom of thought’ does not equate to ‘choice of whom to work for’.
Hell, you’re protesting to help give the Palestinians a much needed freedom of choice as to how to live their lives free of Israeli tyranny.
M.Idress. Are you aware that Israel has a thriving and active gay scene? That its gay citizens can go out at night, with their friends, without fear of beating and arrest? That Israel has had a woman prime minister?
Secondly; I am not Anti-Islam. I am against all monotheistic faiths, which produce religious citizens full of backwardly minded, intolerant and divisive views. The “church” (in any of its guises) no longer has any credibility. So yes, for a religion which has allowed the execution of people based on their “straying” from the Koran’s teachings, I would say I have every right. As you do to your views.
Refrain from name calling too please, it’s a bit beneath you.
Mr. Andrew. These activists are far more anal than any gay sexual practice and the BDS is going to work as it did in South Africa. Also, to be able to have propper gay sex, one needs to be able to stay alive and have one’s basic needs covered as opposed from being under blockade, bombed, stuck in checkpoints.
See? No need to be scared of any name-calling.
Is BAE currently producing chemical weapons? I was under the impression their production was outlawed in Britain and their sale largely banned in and by European states.
Are chemical weapons the only type that kill? If not, I don’t see your point.
I’d also be interested in whither or not you support other arms companies? After all, the Israelis aren’t the only ones bombing civilian populations (although unlike Hamas, they are the only ones using disproportionate force).
No, I do not support any arms companies investing in universities. This is not exactly WWII, none of the arms being produced today are for ‘defence’.
This protest does seem to be partisan. The strong involvement of socialist political groups but not more moderate parties is telling and there is no way this is anything but political.
I don’t know about Glasgow, here at Strathclyde, the majority included international students like myself, with no political affiliations. Amongst the locals I only know of 5 who have any associations with a party. However, externally we did receive the support of MSPs from Labour, Greens and SNP. Don’t know if those count as ‘moderates’.
I’m not sure where you are getting the ‘necessity’ from. People should have the right to choose who to work for and the University shouldn’t be censoring it’s career fairs.
Not so sure about that. I’d have serious problems with the producers of Zyklon B or Agent Orange recruiting on campus. It is not merely a question of who actually chooses to join them, it is a question of an institution of higher learning giving them legitimacy by allowing it space on its campus.
Hell, you’re protesting to help give the Palestinians a much needed freedom of choice as to how to live their lives free of Israeli tyranny.
Correct. And to disallow merchants of death on campus is the same as invading, ethnically cleasing, occupying, starving, and besieging a people? I’m not sure if that is such an apt parallel.
Andrew writes:
Are you aware that Israel has a thriving and active gay scene? That its gay citizens can go out at night, with their friends, without fear of beating and arrest? That Israel has had a woman prime minister?
I’m aware that when Natalie Portman was shooting a scene in Jerusalem she and her whole crew were chased out of the place by a group of Israelis who found her kissing her Israeli co-star offensive.
But i’m not quite sure what the argument here is: If there is no ‘thriving gay scene’ in Palestine, then it has no right to be free? There was no thriving gay scene in the townships of Soweto, so would you also consider the end of Apartheid a bad idea?
Secondly; I am not Anti-Islam. I am against all monotheistic faiths, which produce religious citizens full of backwardly minded, intolerant and divisive views.
Unlike I presume the forward looking enlightenment views of say a Hitler or a Stalin? The Gulag, the holocaust, WWI, WWII, Vietnam, the carpet bombing of Cambodia — they were not a product of monotheistic faiths, but the contrivances of enlightenment reason.
The “church” (in any of its guises) no longer has any credibility.
By and large I agree. But perhaps you never heard of Liberation theology, or of the Hizbullah.
So yes, for a religion which has allowed the execution of people based on their “straying” from the Koran’s teachings, I would say I have every right. As you do to your views.
Not sure what you mean by ‘religion’. Religion is a concept, and a practice, it has its interpreters including, always, some who are more extreme than others. I presume you are talking about specific interpretations, in which case your point is void, since you are generalizing. Perhaps you aren’t aware that there is no central authority or hierarchy in Islam (except in Shi’ism). There are plenty who stray from religion, I’m not aware of any mass executions going on as a result. Are you?
I might be way too late here but is the occupation still ongoing?