School of Oriental and African Studies of the University of London, an institute famous for its progressive outlook on politics, has started suspending its students following a rally in solidarity with Gaza.
In a statement, the Palestine Society of SOAS on Twitter (now X) said that the suspension was “a clear act of political repression”. A rally in solidarity with the people of Gaza was held by the society on October 9. Hundreds of students joined the demonstration. Consequently, “The students were suspended and given warnings through disciplinarians by the university.”
🚨URGENT: @SOAS University of London, renowned for its so called progressive politics, has officially began taking steps suspending its own students following a rally in solidarity with Gaza. This is a clear act of political repression. Please read on and share widely: pic.twitter.com/ZlMQvv4xGV
— SOAS Palestine Society (@SOAS_Palestine) October 17, 2023
While the society condemned the suspension, it also demanded “the students to be allowed to continue their studies and attend lectures.”
A link has been posted by the Society to an online petition in which it asked the university to drop all the disciplinary proceedings against the students involved in the protest, revoke all the formal warnings against the Palestine Society Committee, and reestablish the right to protest. It also calls on the Student Union to advocate on behalf of all the suspended students and pressure the university administration to comply with the demands.
A letter was sent by the UK Education Secretary to the Chancellors of the university demanding that they act “swiftly and decisively” against any threats to Jewish students’ safety in the aftermath of the blockade of Gaza. They deemed that the pro-Palestinian students were actually supporting Hamas which for them is a proscribed terrorist organization.
Fatima Bhutto voiced her protest on X, siding with the Society and expressing her disappointment with her alma mater.
I am so disappointed in @SOAS. I was always proud of being a @SOASalumni but not today. All solidarity with @SoasPalestine pic.twitter.com/IyF1bJu3dm
— fatima bhutto (@fbhutto) October 17, 2023
Hardcore reactions from some other alumni of the university included Dr. Ruby, who called the step “draconian, unjustified, and most likely illegal”.
This is draconian, unjustified and most likely illegal. Lawyers, where are you? https://t.co/hgKEicKt7S
— Dr. Ruby (@PaperWhispers) October 17, 2023
Abeera, one of the faculty members of SOAS called it “Absolutely shameful”.
Absolutely shameful. This is a direct result of the punitive culture and securitisation that’s festering on campus. Students and academic staff are being doxxed and threatened with prevent referrals across the country and this is how our university responds? https://t.co/5oDMARdMxW
— Abeera (@discoursekhala) October 17, 2023
A number of netizens criticised SOAS for its hypocrisy. One pointed out that the aim of a “fairer society” as expressed by the institute was totally contradictory to their actions.
@SOAS say in their profile that they’re for a ‘fairer society’ whilst silencing those whose speak against apartheid… just like what happened during apartheid in South Africa.
— Free Palestine, End Apartheid 🇵🇸 🇬🇧 🇲🇺 (@LeftieShaney) October 17, 2023
Not really a fairer society is it, just another repeat of history https://t.co/WfeBEo5Ml1
