The University has warned the student activist group Glasgow Against Arms and Fossil Fuels (GAAF) that they risk “suspension of studies” in response to taking part in direct action.
In an email shared on Instagram by GAAF University Chief Operating Officer David Duncan told the activist group: “The University upholds the right to free speech and peaceful demonstration by students. We also stand ready to engage in dialogue about any aspect of University strategy or policy and will always listen respectfully to diverse points of view.
“However, we want to make it very clear that we will not accept disruption of University activities of the kind we witnessed yesterday.”
On Wednesday 23 October, GAAF disrupted a STEM careers fair held by the University of Glasgow in the Grosvenor Hotel. The fair included exhibitions from companies such as the BBC, Multiplex Construction and the Royal Air Force.
Footage from social media shows the student activist group disrupting the fair, holding Palestinian flags in front of the stalls and chanting: “shame on the RAF, shame on the University of Glasgow”.
The email continued: “Members of the University community and visitors to our campuses have a right to go about their business without experiencing the stress and anxiety caused by such disruption: if we see further activities which prevent the normal business of the University from taking place, we will not hesitate to take disciplinary action which could result in suspension of studies.”
GAAF responded on social media writing: “There will be no normal business so long as the University continues to invest in genocide and genocidal companies. GAAF and GUJPS [Glasgow University Justice for Palestine] reaffirm our commitment to the cause for Palestinian Liberation, by any means necessary. We will not stop and we will not rest.”
So far no students have reported to have been suspended from their studies as a result of direct action within the University. In February, GAAF occupied a University building in protest of the University’s investments in arms companies but the protest was ended under the promise that occupants, students and staff would not face repercussions for their “peaceful protest”.
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