After 3 days of occupying the atrium outside of lecture theatres 2B25 and 2B20 in solidarity with the Gaza the UWE students involved have announced victory.
Following a series of what are described by the group as “intense negotiations” with UWE Vice-Chancellor Steve West and Deputy Vice-Chancellor John Rushforth a number of the occupiers' demands have been met.
Instead of providing 10 fully paid scholarships to Palestinians and Israelis who refuse to serve in the IDF UWE has agreed to set up a conflict fund for full scholarships for students affected by conflict across the world. This find will be paid for through fundraising between students along with fundraising by the University itself. In response to the demand that the University provide a “full list of investments held and that it guarantees to withdraw any investment with any organisation that profits from the occupation of the Palestinian Territories” UWE have declared that funds held by the University are not invested in any such companies or funds. The group have asked for evidence on this declaration. The University has also stated that it will do the following: Support the DEC charity through a combination of supported fundraising events and University publications as appropriate. They have also agreed to send the following letters; - a letter of solidarity and support to the Islamic University In Gaza City. - a critical letter to the BBC and Sky Outlining UWE’s support for the DEC appeal. This follows the two institutions refusal to air an emergency appeal. The University also agreed to introduce a system whereby any surplus or old resources such as computers, textbooks and furniture will be donated through the DEC appeal. Now to continue negotiations a committee involving members of the current movement, the student president, and the deputy Vice Chancellor is to be set up. This council will aim to act as a vehicle to get the practical aspects of the above agreements up and running. More to follow... |
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