STUDENTS at the University of Glasgow have staged a sit-in protest amid calls for improved support for Palestinian students.
A small number of students from the Glasgow Against Arms and Fossil Fuels (GAAF) group sat in the university’s management office on Monday afternoon.
Members are calling on the university to offer support for Palestinian students similar to what was provided to Ukrainians in the wake of Russia’s invasion of the country last year.
They are also calling on the institution to end what they describe as “complicity” in Israel’s bombardment of Gaza via investments in the arms trade.
Earlier this year, an investigation by Demilitarise Education found the university's investments in arms firms had increased from £3.2 million in 2020/21 to £6.8m in 2022/23.
The student group is demanding that the university divest from all arms companies involved in war crimes, and prevent those firms from recruiting on campus.
“All we are asking is that they show the same solidarity to Palestinians that they showed to Ukrainians when they too suffered horrific war crimes by an invading imperialist state,” said Lydia, a 22-year-old studying Edinburgh Literature at the university.
Alex, a politics student, added: “Enough is enough. It’s time for the university to match their rhetoric with action and divest immediately from the utterly reprehensible arms industry.”
Students say further support could be given to Palestinians via free tuition and humanitarian scholarships.
They are also calling on the university to build on its relationship with the Islamic University of Gaza and start a twinning program.
During their protest, students held signs reading “end the apartheid” and “end the occupation”.
A spokesperson from the university said: “In a public statement issued to all staff and students on the unfolding events in Israel and Palestine since the horrific attacks on October 7, the university has called for the immediate release of all hostages and a humanitarian ceasefire so that aid can reach those suffering.
“Senior managers are in regular contact with representative groups most affected by the conflict and are happy to meet with others, while continuing to offer care and support to all members of our community.”
