Campus protest update

As many in our University community are aware, a small group of our students has been camped on the grass opposite the Leeds University Union and on the precinct.

We have regarded this as largely a peaceful protest and have engaged in constructive discussions with nominated representatives of the encampment.  

The encampment action has been related to the terrible and ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza, about which as a community we share strong condemnation. The University continues to provide support to all staff and students affected, and hopes for an end to the violence, the release of the remaining hostages, and a long-term resolution to the situation. 

In responding to the impact on our community and its actions, we have been diligent in our upholding of  free speech, and the rights of students, staff, and visitors to go about their business unimpeded and free from intimidation. Facilitated by Leeds University Union, UEG members and senior leaders have met with representatives of the encampment to maintain dialogue and listen to their concerns. 

The University’s position regarding the encampment’s demands

Support for academics affected by conflict 

We support the Council for At-Risk Academics which helps academics at risk around the world and are exploring options with partner universities to support both academics and students from the region. We are progressing our University of Sanctuary status which supports students and academics displaced by conflict around the world. 

We are also actively exploring what commitments we can make in partnership with other universities to assist academics, students, and institutions in Gaza. 

Statements on the conflict 

As an educational institution, the University does not generally take a political position or make direct statements on global events or conflicts. This supports our charitable status as an institution and fundamental commitment to freedom of speech for all across a diverse community with a multitude of different experiences, perspectives, and interpretations of current events. 

The continuing violence and loss of life in the Gaza region is deeply distressing to all. With others, we hope for the earliest end to the violence, the release of the remaining hostages, and a peaceful resolution. Read our statement of support and assistance for all in our community.  

Research partnerships 

In common with many other UK universities, the University of Leeds has research agreements with many industrial and commercial partners to advance knowledge and provide students with education and employment opportunities. 

All research partnerships with external companies align with UK government legislation, including export control regulations and government sanctions lists, and are subjected to rigorous internal procedures around research security, integrity, and ethics. 

Our research relationship with BAE Systems is related only to the operational oversight of an aeroplane used exclusively by universities to conduct environmental science research unrelated to the defence industry. 

University partnerships 

The University follows the longstanding position of Universities UK in opposing academic boycotts on the basis that they are inimical to academic freedom, including the freedom of academics to collaborate with other academics. 

Jewish chaplaincy 

The national body, the University Jewish Chaplaincy (UJC) appoints and employs Jewish chaplains at universities across the country. The UJC support of Jewish students at the University of Leeds forms part of the arrangements for a number of universities in the Yorkshire region. 

The UJC has informed the University that Rabbis Zecharia and Nava Deutsch will shortly complete their three-year term of appointment as chaplains to our regional universities and will return to Israel.  A new Rabbinic couple will be confirmed by the UJC in due course. We have committed to working with the UJC to ensure that it can provide the support which is valued by the University’s Jewish students, whilst also being sensitive to the diverse perspectives of our community. 

Commencing legal proceedings 

While the encampment has been largely peaceful, after six weeks of occupation and disruption to core University operations, and now the significant escalation of protestors to the recent occupation of the Ziff Building, the University is commencing legal proceedings to obtain a Possession Order to end the disruption caused by the camp and the occupiers of the Ziff Building.  

This decision has been made carefully and after determining that collectively, the actions and behaviours of those involved have crossed from lawful free speech, to activities that have significantly disrupted our wider staff and student community and their experience of University life. 

This has included the occupation of buildings, disrupting of the Leeds Ball for 4,500 final-year students, and of a Careers Fair for students seeking post-study employment, and a Masters fair for those pursuing postgraduate study. Protestors have jeopardised their own and others safety by hosting unauthorised public events involving large numbers, including members of the public and children, encouraging and hosting protests on campus, restricting emergency access routes, and not following the reasonable safety instructions from University staff with health and safety expertise. 

While we are aware that not all protestors staying at the encampment may be members of our student community, and the behaviour of the protestors and occupiers of the Ziff Building, including the wearing of face coverings, harassment of staff, and vandalism and graffiti on buildings has created an atmosphere that is significantly intimidating to many in our community and which the University deems unacceptable. 

In its progressing to Court action against protesters and occupiers, the University is not taking any political stance on the conflict in Gaza, but is aiming to end the disruption caused by the encampment and protest occupants and to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all on campus. Read our statement of support and assistance for all in our community.  

Professor Hai-Sui Yu 

Interim Vice-Chancellor & President 

University of Leeds