The Queen Margaret Union (QMU) walked out of a group photo at the University of Glasgow’s Welcome Address after being asked to put away a Palestinian flag.
According to QMU’s President, Lucy Stobie, the union displayed the flag during the address to highlight that its chosen Freshers’ Week charity this year is Medical Aid for Palestinians.
The incident took place at approximately 2pm on Monday 15th September in the university’s quad near the cloisters.
Union representatives said they wanted to make a visible statement of solidarity and not condone the ongoing war in the region, which they described as a “genocide.”
Following the address, the university’s communications team attempted to organise a group photo of student unions. When staff saw the QMU’s flag, they asked for it to be removed, warning the union would otherwise be excluded from the photo.
In response, the QMU declined to participate and left in solidarity.
After leaving, the QMU committee members gathered outside their own building for group photos with the Palestinian flag held in front of them. The images were later posted on Instagram with the caption “THE Q, THE Q, THE QMU We will not remain silent.”
The union has a history of involvement in pro-Palestinian activism. In recent years, QMU has hosted discussions and fundraising events in support of Palestinian causes.
These have included Qmunicate magazine’s summer charity issue, which featured a dove in a keffiyeh pattern with lettering in red, white, and green, with all proceeds donated to Medical Aid for Palestinians.
The union has also hosted a live music fundraiser to support student Ibrahim Alghorane’s upcoming studies at the University of Glasgow, and organised a session with Palestinian alumni, Dr Eman El-Bahnassawy, to discuss “The historical and political landscape of the Palestinian struggle”. This was followed by a Q&A at the QMU Bistro.
A spokesperson for the University of Glasgow said: “The University of Glasgow upholds the right to freedom of expression, including the right of staff and students to engage in peaceful demonstrations. However, we do not tolerate activities which interfere with the rights of others to go about their business in peace.
The Israeli Embassy did not respond to a request for comment.
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