Newcastle students set up encampment in solidarity with Gaza

A student occupation calls Newcastle University to boycott and divest in companies with ties to Israel.

Gabbi De Boer
1st May 2024
Image Credit: Gabbi de Boer

This Wednesday 1 May, a group of Newcastle students have set up camp outside Newcastle University to display their solidarity with Gaza. Since October 7, over 30,000 Palestinians have been killed, including women, children, journalists, and humanitarian aid workers. They are asking the University to call for an immediate unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

Newcastle Apartheid Off Campus is taking action to urge to Univeristy to not only divest in defence and security firms, but cease all relations with Israeli Universities. As well as campaigning against academic, industrial, or teaching relationships with boycott, divestment and sactions (BDS) target companies and defence or security firms, they also call for students and staff standing in solidarity with Palestine on campus to be protected. This includes requesting the Univeristy removes the use of the IHRA definition of anti-semitism and that anyone acting in solidarity does not face academic or disciplinary repercussions for displaying their support.

They are also urging that the University disclose all investments, collaborations and partnerships with these companies whether this be directly by the Univeristy, or through organisations hosted by the University. This includes companies such as Leonardo S.p.A, BAE systems, Pearson Engineering and Siemens.

On top of this, the group has requested that Newcastle University commit to forge links with universities in Palestine, and to assist in re-establishing the destroyed universities in Gaza. All twelve universities in Gaza have been either destroyed or damaged by Israeli air strikes since October 7.

The occupation is one of many protests that have appeared on campus in solidarity with Palestine. It comes after many months of urging more transparency around University involvement with defense and security companies. This comes following the opening of a Leonardo S.p.A facility within the Newcastle Helix, a site that Newcastle University is a partner of alongside Newcastle City Council and Legal and General. They welcome all support to the encampment, located outside of the Northern Stage.

In response to recent protests on campus, Newcastle University has stated that:

In response to recent protests on campus in relation to investments with armament companies, Newcastle University has responded:

“We respect the right to peaceful protests and freedom of speech and are engaging with protestors. Our community is a space where colleagues and students can analyse and challenge difficult issues, while also accepting differences in views and opinion. 

Our priority is always to ensure that our campus remains safe for everyone and protests should be within the law - we do not tolerate the use of threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour that causes, or is likely to cause, distress. 

We are committed to our core values, which include Social and Environmental Justice; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; and we have been deeply affected by the ongoing conflict in Israel and Palestine. 

Working with industry partners is critical in helping us to leverage our world-class research, to advance science and to support the UK’s development through high-value employment and skills. Any proposals for defence and security collaborations are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 

The University does not invest in companies making armaments.”

Since May 1, the encampment has hosted teach-outs, rallies and creftivism sessions, remaining peaceful throughout.

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  1. Great to see and feeling proud of the NE students! I hope other universities follow their example.

    In solidarity,

    A Jewish migrant

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