A Freedom of Information request obtained by Hillhead Review has revealed that the clean-up cost following the alleged vandalism of the James McCune Smith Learning Hub (JMS) is £6382.20 so far.
The University told Hillhead Review that “further work is required”, and so more costs are likely to accumulate.
On 6 February, a video released on Instagram by Youth Demand shows two individuals, who named themselves as Hannah Taylor, 24, and Catriona Roberts, 22, spraying red paint across the JMS glass facade before glueing themselves to the ground in front of the building. The pair are awaiting a hearing in May.
Hannah Taylor was fined a proportion of the cost in a settlement with the University. Her six week campus ban was lifted on 26 March.
Taylor successfully crowdfunded £2898, telling supporters; “The Student Conduct team have agreed to allow me back on campus to complete my degree if I pay half the damages of the cleaning. This supposedly amounts to £2660. Please donate to help me pay off these costs and continue my degree.”
The exact cost of the fine is unclear; The Herald reported that Taylor was only billed £1422. Taylor claimed in her crowdfunder that the fine was £2660, and Glasgow University Justice for Palestine Society (GUJPS) and University and College Union Glasgow claimed £2844.
Hannah Taylor then told Hillhead Review that the fine was £2844, and said that she would be donating the extra £44 raised to the “Zionism Free Leith” movement.
Rector Dr Ghassan Abu-Sitah publicly called for the University to lift Taylor’s campus ban, but has remained silent on the issue of her fine.
The University of Glasgow does not comment on individual students, although a spokesperson told Hillhead Review: “The University of Glasgow upholds the right to freedom of expression, including the right of staff and students to engage in peaceful demonstrations.
“However, we do not tolerate activities which interfere with the rights of others to go about their business in peace.”
The Rector has been contacted for comment.
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