The University of Liverpool has released an update on the future of Abercromby Square following the dissolvement of a longstanding encampment on June 5th.
Pro-Palestine protestors in Abercromby Square were evicted two weeks ago, following the university’s successful court appeal for the possession of the piece of private land.
An extensive update was shared with members of staff at the University of Liverpool, which detailed that although “this is not a situation where the university is attempting to stop peaceful protest”, the court order also prevents any “unauthorised encampments” or expressions of protest from occupying the area in the future.
The statement, shared online and penned by Lucy Everest, Chief Operating Officer at UoL, reads: “I am writing to update you that the university’s application for a possession order was granted and that subsequently, the encampment on Abercromby Square has vacated the space.
“The court order also safeguards from unauthorised encampments returning to Abercromby Square, and other campus spaces”.
Lucy Everest then thanked “colleagues in Property and Campus Services (PCS)” for their efforts to “return the Square to its previous condition, so that it can be enjoyed by our wider community and used for university events, including during forthcoming Open Days and graduations”.
The university expressed that it had been “clear” that it “will always respect the right to peaceful and lawful protest and any protest activity must be arranged in accordance with our relevant policies and procedures”.
The statement continued to say: “As a university community, we continue to hope for an end to the violence in Israel and Gaza, and a peaceful resolution to the conflict”.
“We are a large and diverse community of people with different viewpoints and personal experiences, which can create tensions.
“However, our clear expectation of all staff and students is that we treat each other with respect and with an understanding that different beliefs and points of view will be expressed.
“All members of our community should feel safe and included and we will never tolerate any form of discrimination, intimidation, incitement, bullying or harassment”.
This sentiment occurs in the wake of the Students of Alareer Square group, which occupied the area in protest of the university’s investment in arms companies that are supplying weapons to Israel during the conflict in Gaza, being labelled as “intimidating” and a threat to the “wider community”.
The then statement called for an appropriate balance to be struck “between the rights of protestors, and the rights of others to go about their business safely, unimpeded and free from intimidation”.
“If it is clear that individuals disrupt university activity, cause damage, and create unreasonable pressure on our campus security services, this will be addressed.
“Where the behaviour of any staff member or student breaches any of our university policies, we will investigate and act appropriately in line with these policies”.
via Instagram
The Chief Operating Officer then shared further information on their “commitment to freedom of speech” as outlined in a joint policy developed between the university and the Liverpool Guild of Students.
She continued to say: “The university regularly reviews investments and collaborations with organisations and governments linked to conflict. Our Ethical Investment Policy can be accessed here“.
“We currently deliver humanitarian student scholarships for refugees and scholars fleeing conflict. Details of support to scholars displaced by global circumstances can be found on our web pages. Please see our ‘support for those impacted by global conflict and humanitarian disasters’ webpage, which includes a ‘how you can help’ section”.
The statement concluded with an expression of thanks to the staff members and security teams involved with the encampment and its subsequent eviction.
“Thank you for continuing to work together, to ensure that everyone in our community can enjoy an inclusive and welcoming campus environment”.
Since April 2024, the Students of Alareer Square protest group has conducted multiple demonstrations in solidarity with Palestine, including encampments and disrupting meetings held by members of UoL management.
The demands of the protestors remain the same despite the dissolvement of the encampment; requesting the university to cut ties with these firms, as well as to make more active attempts to provide education to those affected by the conflict in Gaza.
Image via Instagram @lvrpool_enc
