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MyAV范 statement: protest at MyAV范U event
11 November 2016
An investigation is now under way into the events that took place at the MyAV范U Friends of Israel event on 27 October, following numerous allegations of violence and intimidation received by MyAV范.
The purpose of the investigation is to establish:
- An accurate record of what occurred at the event听
- The arrangements put in place by MyAV范 to organise and manage the event听
- Whether there is evidence of behavior contrary to MyAV范 policies governing events held on campus, the academic regulations, and student and staff safety-related policies
- Any MyAV范 policy changes and improvements to event management that should be considered for the conduct of future events听
This remit may evolve in the light of evidence received and at the discretion of the investigating team. It is anticipated that the investigation will report back before the end of the current academic term. The investigation team can be contacted at听inquiry-2016@ucl.ac.uk
30 October 2016
Update to our original statement regarding the Friends of Israel event at MyAV范 on 27 October 2016.听
Initial investigations into the event are underway. We have received allegations of violence and intimidation which,听if confirmed, we condemn in the strongest possible terms. These allegations will be the focus of our continuing investigation and we will be working with the police if necessary to pursue evidence. 听
We re-
iterate our position that we are a university that supports both the right
to free speech and of protest. The latter must however be conducted in a
respectful and peaceful manner. As part of our investigation we will be
reviewing our procedures to ensure this is adhered to.
28 October 2016
MyAV范 and MyAV范U do not condone acts of intimidation or violence under any circumstances and, as a university with a longstanding radical history, we fiercely support the right to exercise free speech within the law.
The freedom to debate and challenge views is fundamental to the nature of a university. We also acknowledge the right to peaceful protest and we put the safety of our staff and student community at the heart of everything we do.
On 27 October, we did all we could to ensure that the MyAV范U Friends of Israel Society event could go ahead at MyAV范, working with our Security team and the Metropolitan police.
It was widely advertised and open to the public, and as a result a small but noisy group of protesters attended and occupied the rooms where the event was originally meant to take place. MyAV范 Security found an alternative location and ensured the event went ahead safely. We regret protesters took measures to try to prevent the event from happening but stress that the protest was non-violent.
We are aware that the Metropolitan
police attended following accusations of assault and support them fully in
their investigations. As this was a public event, it is unclear how many MyAV范
students were present but we are instigating an enquiry and we will take
appropriate disciplinary action where there is clear evidence that students may
have breached our disciplinary regulations.
Both MyAV范 and MyAV范U have a code of
practice governing the participation of external speakers at events held at
MyAV范. It is clearly stated in MyAV范's code of practice that the premises will not
be denied to any individual on any ground connected with their beliefs.听