University of Birmingham issues statement after pro-Palestinian protesters set up tents on campus

The University of Birmingham was today holding a watching brief after pro-Palestinian student protesters set up tents on campus. The university said it was 'monitoring the situation' after the demonstration began yesterday, Monday, May 13.

Some protesters claimed they had been "threatened with police action" after allegedly being told that what they were doing "might be considered criminal." A letter from the university, posted to social media, said it did not give permission for the group to protest at The Green Heart or any other part of the Edgbaston campus, which is private land.

The letter, dated May 10, also told protesters their occupation at the premises was a trespass and they were required to leave immediately. It said: "Failure to do so will result in the university taking legal action." But today, Tuesday, May 14, the university said it was "monitoring the situation to ensure safety and minimise disruption."

READ MORE: Pro-Palestinian protesters at University of Birmingham 'threatened with police action'

A spokesperson said: "A small group of tents has been set up on campus by individuals protesting in support of Palestine. The university is operating as normal with exams and other activity continuing as planned.

"The University of Birmingham recognises students will wish to take part in protests about issues that they care deeply about. There are many ways in which this can be done lawfully, and the profile of a cause raised.

"Our Freedom of Speech Code of Practice sets out how we support this, including through authorised demonstrations. However, this does not include setting up tents on university property where there is no permission or authority to do so.

"We are monitoring the situation to ensure safety and minimise disruption, including to students who are currently studying for and taking exams, and other education and wider university activities. We ask the protestors also respect this.

"Our university community includes staff, students and visitors from a wide range of backgrounds and beliefs. Everyone has the right to go about their business safely and free from intimidation or harassment and we will not tolerate any form of discrimination or racism, including antisemitism and Islamophobia.

"We maintain regular discussions with a range of student and staff representatives to listen to their views and ensure they feel supported. We have a wide range of support available to students and staff."

One student, who would only give her name as 'Robin', said: "We are a peaceful camp and we are not disrupting other students, so we will stay put. When we set up we were told by security what we were doing might be considered criminal and let's just say, they made sure we knew that.

"But there has been no sign of his threat being enforced so far. We have around 40 tents now so I don't think they could break us up as there's so many of us.

"There has only been one flashpoint here involving somebody who said they were staff taking down signs, but security were swiftly on top of that. There's a genocide going on and I could not sit back and let that happen. We are just asking to be treated with fairness."

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