This encampment was influenced by those occurring in universities across the United States, for example Columbia University and UCLA, and it has not only spread to Newcastle University, but also the University of Warwick and the University of Manchester.
In the last two days, the encampment has attracted various different students, lecturers, and Newcastle residents, who have provided food, teach-outs, and shown that support for and solidarity with Palestine is wide reaching within the city. The Courier headed to the encampment, speaking with demonstrators and understanding their perspective during this period.
Newcastle Apartheid Off Campus cited one of the reasons for the encampment are to encourage the University to divest from defence and security firms, as well as cut ties with Israeli universities.
Dissatisfied with the University’s response to outrage towards Leonardo S.p.A, this has been another factor in the growth of the encampment. A demonstrator highlighted that the encampment was the result of “the University’s relationship with Leonardo”, and this was reflected in another who also urged "to disinvest" from similar companies. The demonstrators are calling for the University to be "held accountable" and recognise the demands of Newcastle Apartheid Off Campus.
A strong feeling amongst demonstrators remains for the University to "stand with Palestinians like it did with Ukrainians." The feeling of differing treatment has been another major factor of the demonstrators upset with the University's response to the previous months' events. They now look for the University to enforce BDS guidelines and improve support for Palestinian professors, students and businesses.
The demonstrators that have been taking part in the encampment over the last few days see this as an important way to demand accountability from Newcastle University and the Vice Chancellor, with one demonstrator explaining that the importance of this encampment lies in the fact this is “a very real visual representation of what is happening in Gaza, and thus can put pressure on the University.” The escalating violence that has now led to over 30,000 Palestinians been killed has been a driving factor of the student's anger, frustrations and distraught.
The encampment, led by students, has emphasised the power of the student voice in producing change. One demonstrator highlighted: “historically, student protests have been the face of change, and here, students are utilizing their voices that Gazans do not have".
Demonstrators reminded students to remember the power of all our voices collectively, and urged them against "turning a blind eye." They acknowledged not everyone can attend the encampment, but urged for any support such as donating, investing time and lobbying local politicians. A demonstrator stated: “you cannot do nothing, as then you are enabling it.”.
Addressing criticisms of their movement, various demonstrators asked those challenging the movement to understand their perspective; "that this is a humanitarian crisis, where we should understand that Palestinians are people too and we stand against the death of innocent people".
The overarching sentiment of the second day of the encampment was "Palestinian powerfulness" and the demonstrators continue to show this through their recognition and conversations around Palestinian bravery and power.
Further information and insight into Newcastle Apartheid Off Campus can be found on their Instagram. This week, they have hosted teach outs, rallies, and craftivism to further their cause.
