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A message from the Vice Chancellor Professor Edmund Burke in response to the on-going conflict in Israel and Gaza

Our University community continues to be deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of life in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Palestine and Israel. We add our voice to those of our colleagues and students in the hope that a peaceful and sustainable resolution can be reached as soon as possible.

In May, a group of people established a pro-Palestinian encampment outside our Pontio building on campus in protest about the conflict. This follows a number of similar protests across the UK, the US and the world.

We have always tried to engage in constructive dialogue with our students. Members of the University’s Executive team have met with the protestors on a number of occasions to understand and respond to their demands and to answer their questions. We are working closely with the Students’ Union who regularly visit the camp. Our Chief Finance Officer, Martyn Riddleston and our Chief Operating Officer, Michael Flanagan were pleased to meet with Sabbatical Officers two weeks ago to continue these conversations.

Universities provide a safe place and opportunity for debate. Protecting free speech is paramount and the University fully supports students’ right to debate and protest peacefully and lawfully. Additionally, we unequivocally condemn racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, discrimination, harassment, abuse, or criminal behaviour, as they have no place in our community.

Our primary concern has always been the safety, security and well-being of all our community. We have a duty to ensure that our all our staff and students are able to live, work, study and socialise free of fear or distress. Several staff and students have contacted me to say that some of the materials displayed at the camp and on social media are causing them distress. We are taking these complaints seriously as we know that the existence of the camp is disturbing for some of our community.

¶º±ÆÖ±²¥ investments

¶º±ÆÖ±²¥ has an ethical and sustainable Investment Policy which stipulates that we expect a high level of Environmental, Sustainability and Governance (ESG) measures to be in place for any potential investment. The University also screens out potential investments in weapons, armaments, alcohol, gambling, tobacco, adult entertainment and fossil fuel companies.

In consultation with our student community, ¶º±ÆÖ±²¥â€™s Investment Committee has met and agreed to review its Investment Policy. Furthermore, our Investment Managers, UBS are being asked to undertake further due diligence to ensure that our current investment portfolio does indeed conform with our Ethical Investment Policy. Our latest position can be viewed here:

/news/2024-07-18-statement-on-university-investments

In addition, we are reiterating our support for the Council for At-Risk Academics, (CARA) which provides urgent help to academics in immediate danger.

How to raise concerns 

We fully acknowledge the significant role that protest plays in a democratic society and that freedom of speech means that individuals are entitled to voice opinions that might offend others. But I am aware that current events are impacting the mental health and well-being of students and staff. If you or someone you know has encountered or observed any instance of discrimination or has any safeguarding concern, I strongly encourage students to reach out to ¶º±ÆÖ±²¥'s Student Support and Wellbeing Team or the Student Union.

If staff experience any form of violence, harassment or hate crime, including sexual and racist, I encourage you to let us know (details below).

I do hope that this statement helps you to understand our position. Our thoughts remain with all those impacted by these complex, challenging and emotive circumstances and we will continue to provide support for those affected by these tragic events.