Two items For Peace and Justice, Against War
There are two time-imminent actions asked for members in this message
- Solidarity with Palestine unity demonstration this Saturday 16 May
- Stop UCL joining the Defence Universities Alliance: Academic Board 18 May
1) Solidarity with Palestine unity demonstration this Saturday 16 May
This is a call for colleagues to join the national demonstration for Palestine on Saturday 16 May.
- Nakba 78: March for Palestine – United against Tommy Robinson & the far right
- Saturday 16 May, 12pm
- Exhibition Road, London SW7 2DB
- Nearest Tube: South Kensington
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign, to which UCU is affiliated, says:
On Saturday May 16th we need everyone who can make it to be in London for this crucial demonstration.
We will march to commemorate the Nakba – for 78 years, Palestinians have been subjected to a racist system of oppression including ethnic cleansing, settler-colonialism, apartheid and genocide. We march to reaffirm our commitment to the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the refugees’ right to return home.
We march against the far right in Britain who glorify Israel’s racism and brutality. Our unity and solidarity is stronger than their hatred and division.
Stand with the Palestinian people whose demand for justice is as important now as ever before.
The UCL UCU branch banner will join the trade union bloc, which will assemble at the corner of Prince Consort Road and Exhibition Road at 12 noon on Saturday.
The demonstration will end at Pall Mall.
Warning: Please be aware that there is a far right demonstration called by the fascist ‘Tommy Robinson’ which will assemble in Russell Square at about the same time and march to Whitehall. For reasons of safety, colleagues should avoid the area close to UCL on Saturday! The two marches will be separated by an exclusion zone at Trafalgar Square.
2) Stop UCL joining the Defence Universities Alliance: Academic Board 18 May
The ‘Defence Universities Alliance’ is a Ministry of Defence scheme. It brings universities into a formal network with the ‘Defence Sector’, i.e., the UK arms industry.
If a university signs the Charter, it is committed to
- Support ‘Defence Research’
- Support ‘Defence Skills Requirements’ and promote careers in Defence
As the Charter makes clear, joining this Alliance specifically directs research funds towards military, state and commercial interests. Such a step inevitably undermines the academic freedom of all staff, and erodes the ethical foundations of higher education. It positions UCL under greater state control (including from future Governments of various political complexions).
The military sector and arms industry make their profits from war, resource exploitation and the build up of weapons reserves: the exact things generating global instability.
Instead of selling their research capabilities to arms companies, universities should broaden the minds of their students, and prioritise research and knowledge that improves the health, wellbeing and security of the world.
If UCL decides to join this Alliance it means that all of us are committed as members of UCL staff. So much for academic freedom!
ACTION: Let UCL know you don’t want them to join
- Academic Board members should attend the Academic Board meeting on Monday 18th May. The DUA is on the agenda. Please make your voice heard!
- All staff can e-mail the Provost :
Subject: Defence Universities Alliance (Please Don’t Apply!)
Dear Provost ,
Hope you’re well. The Ministry of Defence has opened applications for universities to become founding members of the Defence Universities Alliance (DUA).
I don’t believe it is appropriate for UCL to align with the Defence Industries Sector that profits from war, when genuine security comes from tackling the root causes of global insecurity, such as climate breakdown, poverty, and systemic injustice.
Thank you for your attention
Your name
