Sixth Press Release

The student occupation of the University of Glasgow has finished in triumphant success. Students left the Computer Science building at approximately 9pm on Wednesday evening, after a 55-hour occupation. Earlier in the day the University principal, Sir Muir Russell, met with delegates of the occupation to engage in discussions over their demands. The negotiations were concluded by a meeting in the occupied space between the students and members of the University management. The University eventually conceded to many of the demands, and made promises to address some of the issues raised.

Here is a copy of the final signed agreement between students of the occupation and the University management:

Please review the following points, following today’s negotiations, and sign the bottom to confirm a mutual understanding.

DEC

1. Definitely by the end of February, desirably by next week, to have an official day of collection for the DEC.

2. The University is committed to this (hopefully in conjunction with SRC)

3. A web page will be devoted to the day, with a link to the advert

4. An E-mail is to be sent out to all students and staff (1 email a few days before, and another 24 hours before)

5. The University management will encourage all lecturers to show advert in lecture theatres – this is at the discretion of lecturers and it will be their choice whether or not they show the DEC appeal.

Scholarships

1. The University will work with appropriate parties to publicise its current international scholarships within Gaza.

2. Alongside the DEC appeal, donations will be sought to support scholarships for students from Palestine.

3. The University will consider part-funding this by using a similar fee waiving scheme as Strathclyde University.

4. The University would like to work to create a Glasgow Palestine student scholarship scheme; in conjunction with all Universities and other interested parties.

Academic Resources

1. The University will make its best efforts to donate old resources

2. The University is currently speaking to other universities (such as LSE and King’s College) to work through the logistics. The University will get back to the students within 7 days.

3. The University wants the occupiers to contact the Islamic University of Gaza (IUG) to work with them in organising a video conference and to put them in contact with David Newall (Secretary of Court) and vice versa, to work out what resources they need.

4. Currently surplus materials are recycled – the University will look at ways to modify existing contracts, or investigate how the companies involved could be included in the donation of said resources.

The delegates have noted that senior university management have committed to further meetings for serious, continuing discussions including the SRC. The University understands the specific and serious concerns students have regarding Eden Springs, and is willing to engage in further discussions over the suppliers of water to the University campus. These should take place no later than Friday 27^th February.

Further to this we require a commitment to publish details (as transparent, full and up to date as possible) of all university investments made by the university, and all research funding received by the university, in compliance with the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, in accordance with, and in the context of, the law. There will be a meeting between university management and the students of the occupation to discuss the progress that has been made after 20 working days.

With this understanding the students will bring the current occupation to an end.

Signed:

After collecting over 600 signatures, the student movement has the right to call for an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the Students’ Representatives’ Council, to debate how Glasgow University students can show solidarity with Palestine. The EGM must take place within 10 days of the submission of the signatures to the SRC.

It is crucial to recognise that occupation is an entirely legitimate tactic. By taking this action we have shown that serious direct action can achieve results. Our occupation has been an undoubted success. It has been a victory for all those showing solidarity with the people of Palestine. The wider campaign is far from over. This must be seen as a starting point and as the inspiration for a wider movement spreading the message of peace and solidarity throughout the student community and society as a whole.

Noam Chomsky sends his support

I've been following the student activities with great interest and appreciation. I've been asked so frequently for messages of support that I've been reduced to a from response. Will this work for you?

I am very pleased to learn about the courageous and honorable actions of the Glasgow University students. These are particularly significant because of the crucial British contribution to the savage onslaught on Gaza, and on the occupied territories generally, second only to the decisive role of the United States -- a disgrace for all of us. I hope you have the greatest success in arousing public opinion and bringing these crimes to an end.

Noam Chomsky

Edinburgh University students enter occupation

We have just received information that Edinburgh University students have occupied the George Square lecture theatre at Edinburgh University. They are creating an "informative creative space" inside. The Glasgow University Occupation sends its support and solidarity, and commends the action of Edinburgh University students.

Dear friends,

We're writing to you in solidarity for your current occupation of Glasgow University in solidarity with Gaza. We started to occupy the main lecture theatre here at Edinburgh University at 1pm today. That makes us the 24th University in the UK to join this mass movement! We have a blog set up at http://edinburghunioccupation.wordpress.com/ if you'd like to follow our progress. You can find the press release with our demands on there. We'd be really keen to have a webcam chat with you all sometime, if that's something you'd like to do!

Please do get in touch on edinburghunioccupation@googlemail.com.

In solidarity,

Edinburgh University student occupation.

Fifth Press Release

Our offer to meet the Principal and members of the Glasgow University management at 12 noon today has been accepted. The location of the Fraser Building has been decided as a neutral location. We welcome this development and the opportunity to negotiate our political demands. We hope the University management will present us with an acceptable offer so that this situation can be resolved as quickly and successfully as possible.

The students of the Glasgow University Occupation

Press

STOP PRESS

A delegation from the liberated space will be meeting with the Principal Sir Muir Russell, Head of Corporate Communications Susan Stewart and Secretary of the University Court David Newell today at 12 noon in the Fraser building on behalf of the people of Gaza and over 1000 staff and students on campus who are in solidarity with their suffering. Please come to the demo at 11am and be present outside the Fraser building at 12 noon to provide visible and vocal support!

As stated, there will be also be a press conference today and a visit from the Rt Hon Charles Kennedy, University Rector.

Here's some of the attention we've had so far. It's probably necessary to clarify a few things. There was a demonstration of around a hundred people around the Uni on Monday, around 60 of whom joined the occupation (the GU Guardian reporting team also entered the building with us). 40 of these people stayed in the building and have been holding the liberated space since then. We have always been pushing for negotiations and if these have not taken place it has been due to difficulties on the side of the management. We have also conducted our action in a peaceful and lawful manner and have at no point disrupted the business of students or staff.

Scotland Today, Tuesday 10th Feb, 6pm: http://news.stv.tv/scotland/videoPlayer-4/#video-choice

We've heard we we were also featured on BBC Scotland.

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/glasgow/Protesting-students-fly-the-flag.4966800.jp

http://news.stv.tv/scotland/75207-students-stage-rooftop-protest-against-universitys-israel-connections/

http://pulsemedia.org/2009/02/09/glasgow-university-student-occupation/

http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2009/02/421820.html

http://scotland.indymedia.org/node/12682

http://occupations.org.uk/

http://www.lasthours.org.uk/news/glasgow-university-occupied/

http://clipmarks.com/clipmark/DF0F71A3-7930-41FE-A947-F95299534785/

http://www.scottishpsc.org.uk/

http://gazasolidarity.blogspot.com/2009/02/glasgow-university-in-occupation.html

We'd like to post a pertinent message from Aaron Franks:


Hello,

I'm writing in support of the occupiers in the Computing Science Building and believe the SRC's position as stated on the SRC homepage misses a crucial point. While the issues concerning Palestine, Gaza in particular, and Israel are indeed complex, certain things are brutally and unavoidably clear.
The Israeli war against Gazans was disproportionate by design, and links between institutions like University of Glasgow, BAE, and Qinetiq (arms manufacturers) are part of that design. The UN is in the process of preparing investigations on the Israeli targeting of civilians with white phosphorus ammunition (illegal). The use of cluster bombs, while "legal" strictly speaking, cannot be unchallenged either.
The University of Glasgow must break any commercial or institutional ties with known weapons traders and manufacturers, and as the student occupation currently in the Computing Building is in support of that, I see no contradiction in the SRC supporting them while also representing the interests of the 24 000 students here.

Yours,
Aaron Franks
PhD Human Geography
East Quad

Message of Support from Sandra White, MSP

As someone who visited Gaza a few months ago and saw the suffering of the Palestinian people first hand I promised that on my return to Scotland I would do my utmost to ensure that everyone was aware of what was happening in Gaza .

I never envisaged that just weeks after my return that Israel would embark on such a savage sustained attack on Gaza and its people leaving 1,3OO people dead and many more wounded . I have been left devasted by this and am even more committed to informing all I know to the plight of the people of Gaza and the disgraceful wall of silence practiced by some .

The actions of the people taking part in the sit in at Glasgow University are borne out of reasons I have mentioned above and sheer frustration at the inaction of many who could do something to highlight the situation in Gaza today and the ongoing situation of Palestinians in general .

I would ask that the University look seriously at the suggestions made by the group, meet with them , I am happy to attend and in the name of justice and humanity help the people of Gaza and Palestine

Yours
Sandra White MSP

Fourth Press Release - Charles Kennedy to Visit Occupation

4th Press Release- Charles Kennedy to visit protestors

Glasgow University Rector, Charles Kennedy M.P, has agreed to visit us here at the occupied space on the top floor of the Computing Science Building. Mr Kennedy gave assurances at a debate over the DEC Gaza appeal at the Glasgow University Union earlier this evening that he will be visiting at some point tomorrow morning to discuss our demands. We will be holding a press conference at this meeting. There will be a demonstration on campus at 11 am tomorrow in support of our action and demands.

Glasgow University Student Occupation

Day 2 Update

We have been attempting to maintain lines of communication with senior management , as we have been consistently from before the occupation started. We have found it difficult to talk to management as they have refused to give us any concrete response to any of our written correspondence. We have also been consistently keen to negotiate face to face with the Principal. However, although their has been an offer extended for a delegation of us to meet him, we have been reluctant to accept this as the University has so far been inconsistent in its dealings with us, including the incident this morning where we were lied to over a freedom of movement issue whilst in talks with senior management. We outlined a clear proposal for meeting the Principal on neutral ground, however, this was rejected. We want to underline the fact that we do not consider that we are obstructing negotiations in any way and that we are disappointed that the Principal has refused to adequately respond to our written communication.

Today, in the space of a few hours, dozens of supporters of the occupation rallied outside and collected the signatures of 350 students and 45 lecturers who affirmed their support for the people of Palestine and called for an Extraordinary General Meeting at the SRC over Gaza. It looks like this will be happening in the next ten days or so!

We also now have over 1000 signatures across our original petitions: (http://www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/dec-gaza-crisis-appeal/signatures.html) and (http://www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/the-blood-money-stops-now.html).

There was a large and visible presence on campus today, and an STV film crew turned up to film proceedings, as did a journalist from the Scotsman. Journalists from the GU Guardian and the Strathclyde Uni paper were also reporting. Later in the day, a journalist from Radio Clyde came to interview supporters outside (the University have not allowed press into the building at any point during the occupation). There was a 20-minute live interview with Radio Avaaz and a live five-minute interview with Sunny Govan Radio! (http://www.sunnygovancommunitymedia.org/). We are expecting more media coverage tomorrow, including journalists from the Herald and Sunny Govan.

There have been countless messages of support from around Scotland, the UK and the world. Those sending the messages have included: MSPs such as Bill Kidd, Sandra White and Pauline McNeil - Iain Ferguson, candidate for President, UCU Scotland - numerous academics - Lindsay German, National Convenor Stop the War Coalition - Scottish Jews for a Just Peace - Alex Mosson, former Lord Provost of Glasgow and honorary doctorate of Glasgow University - Scottish Afghan Society - Glasgow Palestine Human Rights Campaign - Glasgow Campaign to Welcome Refugees - GU Action Palestine - Aamer Anwar, human rights lawyer - Michael Lavalette, Preston City Councillor - Tommy Sheridan, Solidarity Scotland - UNITE Scottish Housing Branch - Scotland Against Criminalising Communities - Colin Turbett, Unison North Ayrshire - Katy Clark, Labour MP, North Ayshire and Arran - Scottish Socialist Party

There was a great victory today on campus as protesting students shut down a BAE stall at an intern fair! This follows the precedent around the UK as students around the country have shown that death merchants are not welcome in places of learning - several English student unions have already voted to ban arms companies from promoting themselves in their universities. Students had a noise demo outside the Bute hall and stopped BAE Systems from recruiting anyone today as University staff sealed off the building in response. Students have been demonstrating and informing people all over campus all day and are still outside making noise as I type this at 21:20! The positive response they have received from students and staff has been overwhelming.


We had a lovely surprise this afternoon when Danny Alderslowe, Green Councillor for Southside Central, paid us a visit! Danny brought up some fruit and cereal bars which were greatly appreciated, as was his message of support. More importantly, he also spent time working on the Green Party's official response and contacting a whole host of political and media contacts. He's been contacting the management directly and should be speaking at the demonstration tomorrow.

STOP PRESS

Following a debate tonight in the GUU over the BBC's decision not to show the DEC appeal, we have an assurance that the Rt Hon Charles Kennedy, University Rector, will be coming to the liberated space tomorrow to meet the occupiers and discuss what's been happening! We will also be holding a press conference (see press release).

The University's Response

Dear all,

Thank you for your message regarding a meeting with the Principal. I have discussed this with him, and he is very happy to meet with up to five delegates from the group. The meeting would not take place in the computer science building, but I would give you a complete assurance that those attending would be allowed to return to occupied space. Our view is that there is no need to appoint a chair for this meeting, and that it will not be helpful to have a video tape running.

I have included below a statement that the Principal asked me to send you just a few minutes before your own email arrived. As well as repeating his willingness to meet, it refers to the University's investment policy, which, among other things, he is happy to explore with you.

David Newall


Message from the Principal

When you first submitted your petitions, I said I was willing to meet with representatives of your group to discuss the issues that concern you. I am sorry you have not accepted that offer.

I have attached the response that I initially made to your demands and petitions. One point that was not covered in this was investment policy. On that point I would advise you that the University has no direct investment in the companies you have identified as being of concern to you, and that it requires all of its investment managers to have a Socially Responsible Investment Policy.

As David Newall and Susan Stewart advised you this morning, I remain willing to meet with representatives of the group. I look forward to hearing from you.

Muir Russell

Email to the University from the Occupation

Dear Mr Newall,

RE: Meeting

We are disappointed with the university's decision to restrict freedom of movement and we find that this restricts the concessions we can make to you and all agree that you have backed us into a corner. We would like to make it clear, once again, that we are more than willing to negotiate and come to a reasonable compromise which seems balanced and ethical with regards to the situation in Palestine. We also feel that the relations of trust have broken down as in our meeting this morning it was agreed that it would be acceptable for two people to exit and re-enter the building so that we could buy food. This agreement was broken by university security. We would now like to propose a meeting take place with the principal and with a delegation of people from our group. As you know this is a compromise on our behalf and as a result we have our own conditions with which we would like you to comply:

1. The meeting must take place in the computer science building, however, not necessarily in the occupation itself. This is because we have been told we have no freedom of movement.

2. There will be a minimum of five delegates. We also have the right to alternate our delegates as we see fit.

3. The delegates will be permitted to return to the group whenever they see fit.

4. We must have signed confirmation that the delegators will be able to return to the occupied space. If this promise is reneged, as other promises have been, then all agreements from the meeting will be void.

5. We would like to video tape the meeting.

6. We must choose the chair.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Yours

Glasgow University Student Occupation.

Third Press Release

DEMO FOR PALESTINE

WEDNESDAY 11th FEBRUARY

IN FRONT OF THE OCCUPIED COMPUTING SCIENCE BUILDING, GLASGOW UNIVERSITY

11am

We, Glasgow University students, have been occupying the Computing Science Building at Glasgow University, in solidarity with the people of Gaza and against our University’s investment and research links with arms companies, for approximately 24 hours.

At approximately 9.30 am this morning we met with two representatives of the Universities management team, Susan Stewart (Head of Corporate Communications) and David Newall (Secretary of the court) and a representative of University Security, Jim Kane. We again reiterated our demands, including the basic demand for freedom of movement and assembly for people into and out of the occupied space. The University management were reticent to agree to any of our demands. At the meeting we were given a guarantee that two people at a time would be allowed to leave the space in order to pick up food and supplies and would not be barred from re-entering. 10 minutes after this agreement was made two students leaving for food for the occupation were told that they would be not allowed back in. This has led to a break down of trust between we, the occupation and the University management and has undermined our ability to compromise.

At 11 am a rally of support, of some 60 students, took place outside the Computing Science Building. There will be another rally and demonstration at the same time tomorrow.

At 12noon the management responded via email to our demands. The University, by refusing entry to the occupied space to anyone, is clearly restricting the right of the press, legal representatives, and other students to hear our demands and discuss the occupation. The University have yet to meet any of our demands and the Principal, Muir Russell, is refusing to meet within the occupied space despite denying us freedom to leave and re-enter.


Contacts:

glasgowunioccupation@gmail.com

glasgowunioccupation.blogspot.com

David Lynch: 07838661699

Raymie Kiernan: 07920403766

Eileen Boyle : 07884345731

Lockdown

The University Management is denying the occupation access to the media. They have also denied us legal representation inside the space. This morning we held an unfruitful meeting with the Secretary of Court and the Head of Media for the University in which none of our demands were met. Instead we were invited to send a delegation outside to meet with the principal, without any promise of meeting our demands. Here is the response to our initial demands which we received at 12noon:

As agreed this morning, I am writing in response to your four demands from yesterday, as follows.

1 No disciplinary academic or legal repercussions for anyone involved in or supporting the occupation.

There will be no disciplinary or legal repercussions so long as the protest remains peaceful and legal.


2. Those involved in occupation are guaranteed respect for their fundamental rights including freedom of assembly, expression and movement in and out of occupied space

The University respects fully the fundamental rights of freedom of assembly and freedom of expression. However, we cannot condone the occupation of University accommodation. While we are happy to allow food to be delivered to you, anyone leaving the occupation will not regain access. Nor can we allow access to the occupied space by anyone else.


3. Occupation given uninterrupted access to elec, water, internet access (wifi password)

You have access to water, electricity and toilets. We understand you already have internet access.


4. Principal to come to occupied space in order to discuss our demands with all members of occupation (we provide chair)

The Principal will not attend occupied space, but is willing to meet with representatives of the group, as early as is convenient and at a venue and in terms to be agreed. I look forward to receiving your response to this suggestion.




David Newall

Message of Support from Dr Kamalain Sha'ath (IUG)

Dear fellow students of Glasgow University,

We would like to express our sincere thanks and deep appreciation for all your conscious efforts, endeavours and demands to support the right to education, justice and freedom in Palestine.

We wholeheartedly support your peaceful protests against the blanket bombing of Gaza in general and the Islamic University of Gaza (IUG) in particular which suffered extensive destruction and damage to all its buildings, academic facilities. Additionally more than 20,000 students, whose families have been agonizing from the suffocating siege of Gaza, have lost some members of their families and many others have lost their houses.

With great respect and admiration, we have been following all activities taking place in 19 British universities. Your brave campaign has strengthened both our hope and will that we are not alone in this just battle against unprecedented blatant injustices and flagrant violation of human in Palestine.

We are absolutely proud of you all and proud of your solidarity and support campaign for the right to education in Palestine which gives us bright light in the heart of the military occupation darkness.

We wish you full success in your supportive campaign and in achieving all your sensible demands which show a high level of awareness and commitment to defend basic human rights in Gaza at a time of obvious media bias and hypocrisy of many governments.

We hope to cooperate with you soon to establish mutual academic cooperation between our academic institutions. In this regard, we confirm our high interest and strong willingness to provide you with any information, facts, plans, courses, etc related to your practical demands.

In solidarity with Glasgow university students in Occupation

Dr Kamalain Sha'ath
President, The Islamic University of Gaza
Tel: 970 8 282 3310
Fax: 970 8 286 3552
Website: http://www.iugaza.edu.ps/en/

E-mail the Principal

Register your support for the Glasgow University Occupation by putting pressure on the Principal to meet our demands. 

It is crucial to the success of the Occupation that we gain the freedom of movement. 

Sir Muir Russell, Principal:

E-mail: principal@gla.ac.uk

Telephone: 0141 330 5995

David Newall, Secretary of Court:

E-mail: D.Newall@admin.gla.ac.uk

Telephone: 0141 330 4246

Photos

Here are the links to some photos and videos taken at the occupation.

Photos:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gphrc-palestine/sets/72157613526663251/detail/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35218298@N05/sets/72157613548989405/

Videos:

http://www.youtube.com/user/GlasgowUniOccupation

News from the Inside

We have now been occupying for nine hours. The dealings with the security have been inconsistent. We have had varying reports as to whether the entire building will be locked down tomorrow. As it is, we are occupying a non-teaching room on the top floor of the computer science building, and it is unlikely that this will disrupt any classes. Therefore any disruption to University life would be the fault of the University itself.

Morale is good. We have been holding regular occupation meetings, and reaching decisions in a democratic manner. Earlier, however, the security were trying to isolate and intimidate members of the group in order to weaken our solidarity. We held strong.

A general history of the occupation:

Over the last week we have been collecting petition signatures (which can be accessed in electronic form at the bottom of this post) which on Thursday we handed to University Management to be in turn handed to the Principal. We received a wholly inadequate response to these petitions, and thus decided to enter into occupation and reassess and reassert our demands.

We decided on initial demands, such as freedom of movement, amnesty from repercussions,an and access to amenities. We received no response from these. Then we drafted our occupation demands and sent them in e-mail form to the Principal, the Secretary of Court and the Student Representative Council. We received a generic statement from the University management, although it was not issued on University headed paper, nor was it signed. The statement can be read here: http://glasgowunioccupation.blogspot.com/2009/02/university-response.html

We remain in occupation as it appears the University is unwilling to negotiate at this stage. We will remain in occupation until our demands our met. The University Management appear to be promoting the view that we are uninterested in negotiation. We have made it quite clear that we wish to engage in serious discussion, however we feel this discussion must be open, democratic, and transparent. We feel this has been undermined by the lack of action taken by the University so far. We will only accept as a response a written statement issued and signed by the Principal Sir Muir Russell or direct contact with representatives of the Court. We do not wish negotiations to be conducted through the medium of University Security staff.

In Solidarity,

Glasgow University Students in Occupation

Petitions:

http://www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/the-blood-money-stops-now.html

http://www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/dec-gaza-crisis-appeal.html

Principal's Response to the Petition

Dear students

Thank you for the petitions and statement you gave me yesterday.  I have discussed these with the Principal, and he has asked that I send you the attached response.

You will see that the Principal is willing to meet with representatives of the group. While I'm afraid this is not possible on Monday, he would be happy to do so as early as can be arranged.  Please come back to me if you would like to make arrangements to meet with him.

Yours sincerely

David Newall

Secretary of Court

RESPONSE TO PETITION FEBRUARY 2009

First, the University would like to thank you for submitting your petition and for sharing your thoughts and views.  We respect your right to do so and acknowledge and thank you for the responsible way in which you have presented your case.  

Let me respond to your demands by making the University's position clear on the issues you raise.

As members of Universities UK and in full support of its position, we are resolutely committed to the right to education, enshrined in the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  We firmly believe that higher education is a global activity and we value our academic links with universities all over the world. Higher Education is a force for understanding, tolerance and respect between peoples.

Thus as a University, as a diverse community of people possessing and advocating  a range of views and positions, we reserve and defend the right to question, research, analyze any governments, ideologies, positions, evidences and arguments with a view to enhancing understanding and building knowledge.

We stand by the recently released UUK statement issued by the President, Universities UK, which supports the call for an end to the conflict in and beyond Gaza.  The suffering caused to people in Gaza is of deep concern to us all.

The University is willing to facilitate a day of fundraising on campus for the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal for Gaza.

In relation to our research links, the University is engaged in research across a wide range of areas funded from a broad spectrum of sources including research councils, charities, business and industry. 

Our main focus is the understanding of fundamental principles and generic technologies.

  

Where we have links with companies involved in air or aerospace technologies these principles apply. We do not undertake research directly related to weaponry. 

We note the concern you have expressed regarding Eden Springs water.  This matter has previously been considered by the Scottish Parliament in response to a petition - Petition Number: PE102 8.  The response indicated that the company Eden Springs (UK) sources its water in Blantyre and that as it has not committed any criminal offence nor an act of grave misconduct, there are no reasonable grounds for cancelling existing contracts.   

As an international University we actively encourage free exchange of staff and students regardless of race or ethnic origin.  We aim to be a welcoming community, finding richness in diversity.  We have a suite of scholarships that are available to all and we would warmly welcome applications from Palestinian students.  Similarly, in the context of our internationalisation strategy, we are interested in promoting links and exchanges with universities throughout the world, based on the academic interests of both parties.

 You have suggested the University consider a scheme for donating old books, computers and other surplus materials to universities and schools in Gaza and we are happy to look into the practicalities of that.

 I appreciate the depth of the concern that underlies the petitions and series of demands you have set out.  I would be willing to meet with representatives of your group to discuss these matters with you.

 

 

Muir Russell, Principal

Second Press Release

DEMO FOR PALESTINE

TUESDAY 10^th FEBRUARY

IN FRONT OF THE OCCUPIED COMPUTING SCIENCE BUILDING, GLASGOW UNIVERSITY

11am

We, Glasgow University students, have been occupying the Computing Science building since 2pm in a non-violent protest over the University’s links to Israeli companies complicit in the ongoing atrocities against the Palestinian people. Our aim is not to disrupt the running of the university but to highlight the connections between the University, Israeli companies and International arms companies such as BAE Systems.

We have submitted a list of demands to the University Principal who is yet to respond. The University has restricted our freedom of movement into and out of the occupied space. The freedom of the press has been restricted- no journalists have been allowed to meet with us. We call on all journalists to visit us here, at the occupied space, on the top floor of the Computing Science building.

A growing number of supporters showing solidarity with the occupation are gathering outside. They have also been denied access, and anyone leaving the building is not allowed to re-enter.  

A demonstration has been called in support of the demands of the student occupation. It will assemble from 11am onwards tomorrow outside the Computing Science Department at Glasgow University.

The list of supporters of the occupation so far include:

Scottish Jews for a Just Peace; Alex Mosson - former Lord Provost of Glasgow; Michael Lavalette – Preston City Councillor; Aamer Anwar – Human Rights Lawyer; Lindsay German – National Convenor Stop the War Coalition UK; Iain Ferguson presidential candidate for UCU Scotland (personal capacity); Scottish Afghan Society; Glasgow Palestine Human Rights Campaign; Glasgow Campaign to Welcome Refugees; Glasgow Stop the War Coalition; GU Action Palestine; 

E-mail to the Principal

Here is the e-mail we sent to the Principal Sir Muir Russell, David Newall, the Secretary of Court, and the Student Representative Council. Note, this was sent before we received the aforementioned reply:

Dear University Management,

                                           This is a message from the students currently occupying the Computer Sciences building. Please find attached a copy of our demands. We hope that these will be promptly considered by the University Management to ensure a speedy resolution of this dispute. Our occupation is peaceful and non-violent. We have undertaken to occupy this space due to our disappointment that previous demands did not receive an adequate response.

Those participating in the occupation are representatives of the many hundreds of signatories to our petition which we submitted to management on Thursday of last week.

We hope you will consider this e-mail as a primary route of communication and we would like to stress the importance of a formal response to our demands in writing, signed by an accountable member of University Management. We would like to bring to your attention that we have concerns about negotiating via the University security staff. We have no desire to put them in any difficult positions regarding our demands. We look forward to receiving a response.

Yours Faithfully,

Glasgow University Students in Occupation

University Response

This is the response we received:

The University is disappointed that students have occupied a floor in the computing science building despite the Principal's offer to meet with a representative group. Sir Muir remains willing to meet with students.

Stop the War coalition demonstrated on Thursday, and gave a list of demands to the University Secretary. They received a full response on Friday evening, including an assurance that they could meet with Sir Muir Russell.

The University respects the right to freedom of speech, but the rights of students and staff to engage in their normal business must always be respected. The University will take appropriate action if the occupation causes serious disruption to staff or students.

This was received unsigned, undated, and printed on a plain white sheet of paper.

We received this response three hours after it was released to press.

First Press Release

Students begin the 23rd university occupation in Britain in the past 3 weeks

At 2pm this afternoon over 50 students at the University of Glasgow went into occupation to protest against the current siege of Gaza, in solidarity with the Palestinians, and against the involvement of arms manufacturers at our university. After weeks of campaigning, we presented the Principal with a set of demands (following at the end of this press release) and petitions signed by over one thousand  Glasgow University students and staff in support of the people of Gaza.  Following an unsatisfactory response from the Principal Sir Muir Russell we have decided to occupy the Computing Science building at the university. The university has proven funding and investment links to BAE systems and other arms manufacturers who supply weapons to the state of Israel. The Computing Science department is one of the departments with major links to BAE systems. This action is taking place against the background of a wave of successful occupations around Britain.

We demand:

The severing of links between the university and arms manufacturers, such as BAE Systems.

An official university statement condemning the Israeli army’s atrocities in Gaza.

A boycott of all Israeli produce on campus, such as Eden Springs water.  

Donations of academic resources to help rebuild Gaza’s battered schools and universities.

A day of fundraising across campus in support of the DEC appeal.

A commitment to fund scholarships for Palestinian students.

 

We, the students, will remain in occupation indefinitely until our demands are met.

Contacts:

glasgowunioccupation@gmail.com

glasgowunioccupation.blogspot.com

David Lynch: 07838661699

Raymie Kiernan: 07920403766

Eileen Boyle : 07884345731

Demands

Initial

 

We Demand...

1.       Written confirmation that there will be no disciplinary, academic or legal repercussions for anyone involved in or supporting the occupation

2.       That those involved in the occupation are guaranteed respect for their fundamental rights, including freedom of assembly, expression, and movement in and out of the occupied space

3.       That the occupation is given uninterrupted access to electricity, water, internet access (including appropriate wifi passwords) and other amenities as appropriate

4.       That the principal meet those involved in the occupation at the occupied space to discuss our substantive demands

Substantive

We 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.

 

The occupation would like to make clear that the above demands are issued with the intention of expressing our condemnation of the actions of the Israeli state and in solidarity with the people of Palestine. They are in no way directed against or intended to injure the ordinary people of Israel, many of whom support this and similar actions which have taken place throughout the UK in recent weeks.

 

Freedom of movement restricted

The University of Glasgow security are not allowing entry to members of the press, any legal representation and members of our Stop the War group.

The head of security has been trying to victimize and isolate members of the group in order to weaken the group's solidarity. He is also refusing to relay information from Mr Newall, the representative from the University Court, unless he is allowed access to the occupied space, which we have so far refused.

The group itself has not yet gained freedom of access to enter and leave the building as they please. 

The Occupation Begins

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.

The Demands of the Occupation will follow.

In Solidarity,

The Occupying Students of Glasgow University.