I have just emailed this to the university where I did my undergraduate degree.
Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor, and Pro Vice Chancellors,
As an alumna of the University of Lancaster, I am very disappointed to learn that the University has links with BAE Systems, which produces weapons such as the F-35 and F-15 fighter jets. Since 2016, 15% of every fighter jet sent to Israel has been produced in the UK by companies including BAE Systems. I understand that the University’s links were strengthened in November 2023 and that the University has a joint campus with them in Barrow. Given that it was already evident in November 2023 that a mass slaughter of Palestinian civilians was underway, that would have been an excellent time to review and end such links, not to strengthen them.
I further understand that the students who have been protesting against these links — as it is their moral duty and democratic right to do — have been physically injured by security staff in the course of their legitimate protest activities, and now that one student has been excluded, reported to police, and is in danger of further disciplinary action.
There is a very long tradition of solidarity with Palestine at the Students’ Union of the University of Lancaster, and in other universities around the world. I recall that solidarity being very much to the fore when I was a student at Lancaster from 1986 to 1990. Student protest is very important for bending the arc of history towards justice, and I hope that you will recognize the justice of the student encampment’s demands, and the legitimacy of their protest.
I strongly request that you:
1. Call for a permanent ceasefire
2. Cut ties with arms manufacturers
3. Fully disclose all assets
4. Reaffirm the University of Lancaster’s status as a sanctuary university and offer scholarships to Palestinians and investments in Palestinian education
5. Withdraw the action against the student who has been reported to the police, and not take action against any other students or staff who are involved in the protests.
Yours sincerely
Yvonne Aburrow
You too can do this. Find your university’s student encampment and find out what their demands to the university administration are, and write an email or a letter in solidarity. Then post it online and tag their social media accounts.
Dowsing for Divinity 