News / University of Bristol
Bristol Uni vice chancellor responds to Royal Fort encampment
University of Bristol vice chancellor Evelyn Welch has written to students and staff urging them to “uphold our shared values of mutual respect, support and compassion”.
Welch’s letter comes as vice chancellors from across the UK will meet prime minister Rishi Sunak in No. 10 on Thursday to discuss efforts to tackle antisemitism on university campuses.
There will be a £500,000 funding boost for the University Jewish Chaplaincy to provide welfare services to Jewish students in the wake of escalating antisemitic abuse.
is needed now More than ever
More than a week after they first appeared, there are now more than 20 tents at an encampment at Royal Fort Gardens just a few hundred yards from Welch’s office on Tyndall Avenue, with protesters there “in solidarity with the people of Palestine and protest of university ties to the arms trade”.
But the Union of Jewish Students have said that the encampments in Bristol and elsewhere are creating a “hostile and toxic atmosphere”.
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In her letter, Welch said: “You may be aware that a group of students are currently occupying the grassy area opposite Senate House as a form of protest about the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
“This follows similar protests at universities across the UK and the US in the past few weeks.
“Our Security Services are working hard to ensure that everyone feels safe on campus.
“We understand that the continuing conflict has impacted and continues to impact our University community.
“Whatever our individual views, it is more important than ever that we uphold our shared values of mutual respect, support and compassion.
“Every member of our community should feel confident and secure on our campuses. We ask everyone to respect and support each other at this time.”
More than 20 tents now form part of the encampment in Royal Fort Garden – photo: Martin Booth
Welch added: “The important principles of freedom of speech and academic freedom are at the heart of our University mission.
“We encourage and support everyone’s right to express themselves freely and engage in lawful, peaceful protest in line with our agreed protocols.
“These principles apply, even when there are very different and divergent views.
“Whilst upholding these fundamental freedoms we also have a responsibility to intervene when an activity prevents the learning or expression of other views, or significantly disrupts the running of the university or the safety of individuals.
“I want to stress that, in this context, statements or actions that contravene the law are completely unacceptable.
“We will not tolerate any form of racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, discrimination, incitement, bullying or harassment at our University. We will respond robustly if this occurs.
“I have received messages from and had many conversations throughout the past year with student and staff groups, some of whom have called for the University to adopt an institutional position in relation to the ongoing conflict.
“I understand this request and appreciate that many in our community feel deeplv about the situation.
“Our principles of free expression and academic freedom require us to remain impartial as an institution. Taking a position or stance on this, or any other conflict, can inhibit members of our community who want to speak their mind.
“I know this is difficult, and at times uncomfortable, especially when there are strong feelings, hopes and expectations about geopolitical issues.
“I have to stress that as a University our role is to enable staff and students to express themselves freely, not to become an advocate for one view or another.
“In my discussions, I have been clear that our job as a University is to support all those impacted by the conflict and that I will not make any further public statements on the Israel-Gaza conflict.
“I am committed to ensuring that members of our community are able to express themselves lawfully and, I hope, come to understand each other’s points of view. We will continue to share information on how to get help and support where it is needed.
“In my conversations there has also been discussion about ceasing partnerships with companies involved in the defence sector.
“Our current policy on investments can be found here.
“In terms of partnerships, we live in a complex and increasingly insecure world with wars taking place in Ukraine and elsewhere, as well as in Israel-Gaza.
“In discussing our partnerships, we want to be open about whom we work with and why. We will be exploring this in our June Senate meeting and we welcome your views through your representatives on Senate.
“Thank you for everything you do to create a community of respectful debate in which it is possible for all students and staff to express their views and to listen to those of others.”
Main photo & video: Martin Booth
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