The Global Student Forum and Education International stand in solidarity with university students and staff engaging in peaceful protests in support of the Palestinian people and against Israel’s war in Gaza, on campuses around the world.
By taking part in peaceful protests in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, India, Lebanon, Canada, and beyond, students and members of the academic community are exercising their freedom of expression and their freedom of assembly.
We are appalled to witness their peaceful dissent met with violence and removed by police forces invited onto campuses in certain cases. Universities are places of peace, learning, and debate. Violent repression and censorship go against the core values of higher education and must stop immediately.
We call on the leadership of all universities to protect the fundamental rights and civil liberties of all students and staff, including their freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and academic freedom.
We reiterate our strong condemnation of any form of Antisemitism and Islamophobia and restate our call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, unrestricted access to humanitarian aid, and commitment to building lasting peace in the region.
Action you can take
GSF has prepared three actions you can take.
- Make your student union speak up
Even though there might not be protest at your campus, showing solidarity with those who's protest face repression, can boost protesters' energy and let others know about the case. - Create safe communities
This is a very sensitive and complex conflict. Make sure students and staff who are Jewish, Muslim, Israeli or Palestinian feel safe at your campus. - Allow emotions and Insist on dialogue
If you are a student without personal relations to Israel and Palestine, give space to the people around you who have direct ties but insist that the end to the conflict is only found in dialogue between those who seek peace.
