Queen’s University Belfast has committed to withdraw its investments from corporations identified by the UN Human Rights Council as having involvement in listed activities related to Palestine. On Thursday, a declaration was issued by the university’s vice-chancellor, Prof Ian Greer, who reiterated his March call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza. Prof Greer condemned the acts of Hamas on 7 October 2023, along with the severe loss of life in Gaza over the preceding seven months, and the Israeli targeting of Palestinian hospitals and educational facilities, specifically universities.
This declaration follows a two-day occupation of Queen’s main building by pro-Palestine student demonstrators. The Queen’s University Belfast Palestine Assembly, which led the protest, urged the university to reassess all relationships with Israeli academic institutions, cultural organisations, and its industry sector. This also included a broad-based call to withdraw support from “firms implicated in Palestinian human rights abuses”. An additional demand of the group was the dismissal of former US first lady Hillary Clinton from her position as chancellor of the university.
On Thursday evening, Queen’s stated it had held discussions with multiple groups to establish a plan moving forward, importantly featuring an increased role for students within the university’s overall decision-making and governance structures. As a joint proposition from its president, vice-chancellor, and the Students’ Union president, and due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the university agreed to collaborate with its investment managers to commence disinvestment from corporations identified by the UN Human Rights Council as participating in listed activities related to Palestine.
The university has clarified that it currently possesses no direct investment within Israeli companies, and that any indirect investment is “insignificant and is already under scrutiny as per our responsible investment policy”. The university intends to submit plans relating to this issue under the Responsible Investment Policy, ensuring ongoing updates on the implementation progress presented to the senate planning and finance committee, inclusive of elected staff and students as members.
The lessons drawn from the Northern Ireland conflict indicate that building sustainable peace hinges on dialogue, compromise, justice, and equality among all engaged parties. These are sentiments that we, the community at Queen’s, fervently hope the ongoing negotiations aim to establish, thus putting an end to the present conflict.
There’s been some resistance towards the recent demonstrations, as noted by the university, from several students, faculty, and alumni. The university informs that talks have been scheduled with every individual or group involved. We respect their entitlement to share their viewpoints, and we intend to foster dialogue to address the various concerns that have been presented. Ensuring the welfare of both students and staff remains our utmost priority during these challenging times.
Our entire university society can be certain that our institutional values and charter robustly safeguard the right to freedom of expression from every perspective. At Queen’s, we won’t allow any obstruction or dismissal of anyone’s freedom of thought or opinion.
We affirm our dedication to fostering good relations, respect for diversity, access to equal opportunities, and inclusivity on our campus. Queen’s hosts a highly diverse community, inclusive of roughly 25,000 faculty members and students who practise various religions and represent over 100 nationalities. Consistent with our policy on equality, diversity, and inclusion, the university stands against all kinds of illegitimate discrimination, including anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. We strive to guarantee that all students and staff are treated equitably, with dignity and respect.