News / University of Bristol
Uni begins legal action to disperse pro-Palestine encampment
After two months, the University of Bristol has begun legal action in an attempt to disperse a pro-Palestine encampment from Royal Fort Gardens.
The university’s security unit delivered the eviction notice which prompted an angry response from protesters who chanted, “shame on you”.
The encampment group was summoned for a court hearing on July 5 at 3.45pm at Bristol Civil and Family Justice Centre on Redcliffe Street which named the University of Bristol as the claimant.
is needed now More than ever
In a letter sent to students at the university to inform them of the latest situation, vice chancellor Evelyn Welch said: that “some individuals linked to the encampment have gone beyond what is an acceptable expression of their views”.
Welch said: “The behaviour of some has become aggressive, abusive, and has involved allegations of physical assault and damage to property.
“This has raised significant concerns over the safety of our community and our visitors, and has interfered with core University business. This is unacceptable.
“The right to protest is not without limits and must be balanced with the rights of our wider University community to feel safe on our campuses.”
The University of Bristol’s security unit delivered an eviction notice to disperse the pro-Palestine encampment
The group of pro-Palestine activists set up their encampment on May 1 demanding the university severs ties with companies “complicit” in the conflict in Gaza.
Recently, the pro-Palestine campaigners have accused the university of “repressive actions” ranging from disciplinary action, threats of arrest and harassment.
The encampment directed the blame at the university security unit who they claim has intensified its response to the protest action.
Before the eviction notice was served, protesters launched a crowdfunder to raise funds “to cover the costs of expensive legal fees for disciplinary action taken against individual students protesting the University of Bristol’s complicity in the genocide of the Palestinian people”.
The funding page has so far accumulated over £3,800 of a target of £8,000.
One student said: “Despite these attempts at intimidation, we will remain steadfast, inspired by the resistance of the Palestinians and spurred on by the camp’s resilience.”
University of Bristol security assaults peaceful protestors #uob #bristol #FreePalestine pic.twitter.com/8xiqRwlYQH
— Bristol Students Occupy 4 Palestine ??? (@Brisoccupy4pal) June 28, 2024
In her letter, Welch said there was “clear evidence” of conduct “that fall far short of the University’s behavioural expectations”.
She said: “As a result of the cumulative impact of these actions, we have now taken legal action to disperse the encampment, which has become a focal point for some of these behaviours; including, we believe, from people outside of our University community.
“This is an action that has already been taken by many of our peer institutions across the UK.
“Where we have clear evidence that individuals have engaged in unacceptable behaviour we will continue to engage our disciplinary processes.
“We have not brought disciplinary action in respect of presence at the encampment, where protest activity has been peaceful, lawful and in line with our agreed protocols.”
Since the encampment, the vice chancellors of the leading Russell Group universities, including Welch, attended a meeting at Downing Street chaired by the prime minister Rishi Sunak where the premier urged the university leaders to tackle “rise in antisemitism on campus”.
Welch added: “Of course, while Senate provided a respectful and structured forum for inclusive debate, we continue to support everyone’s right to express themselves freely and engage in lawful, peaceful protest in line with our agreed protocols.”
“The right to protest is not without limits and must be balanced with the rights of our wider University community to feel safe on our campuses,” said professor Evelyn Welch, vice chancellor at the University of Bristol
A university spokesperson said: “We support the right to freedom of expression and to engage in lawful, peaceful protest and understand the deeply held concerns that many in our community feel about the situation in Israel-Gaza.
“Since the encampment was set up eight weeks ago, the University has treated those involved with courtesy, dignity and respect.
“Unfortunately, especially during the last few weeks, we have seen actions on campus that fall far short of our behavioural expectations.
“The encampment has become a focal point for some of these unacceptable behaviours, including we believe from people outside of the University.
“Some of this has gone beyond what is an acceptable expression of views, raising significant concerns over the safety of our community and our visitors and interfering with core university business.
“As such we have taken legal action to disperse the encampment.”
All photos: Milan Perera
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