°×С½ãÂÛ̳

An investigation is now under way into the events that took place at the °×С½ãÂÛ̳U Friends of Israel event on 27 October, following numerous allegations of violence and intimidation received by °×С½ãÂÛ̳.

Professor Geraint Rees, Dean of the °×С½ãÂÛ̳ Faculty of Life Sciences, has been asked by °×С½ãÂÛ̳ President & Provost, Professor Michael Arthur, to lead this investigation.

The purpose of the investigation is to establish:

1. An accurate record of what occurred at the eventÌý
2. The arrangements put in place by °×С½ãÂÛ̳ to organise and manage the eventÌý
3. Whether there is evidence of behavior contrary to °×С½ãÂÛ̳ policies governing events held on campus, the academic regulations, and student and staff safety-related policies
4. Any °×С½ãÂÛ̳ policy changes and improvements to event management that should be considered for the conduct of future eventsÌý

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 atÌýinquiry-2016@ucl.ac.uk

30 October 2016

Update to our original statement regarding the Friends of Israel event at °×С½ãÂÛ̳ on 27 October 2016.Ìý

Initial investigations into the event are underway. We have received allegations of violence and intimidation which,Ìýif 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. Ìý

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

°×С½ãÂÛ̳ and °×С½ãÂÛ̳U 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 °×С½ãÂÛ̳U Friends of Israel Society event could go ahead at °×С½ãÂÛ̳, 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. °×С½ãÂÛ̳ 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 °×С½ãÂÛ̳ 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 °×С½ãÂÛ̳ and °×С½ãÂÛ̳U have a code of practice governing the participation of external speakers at events held at °×С½ãÂÛ̳. It is clearly stated in °×С½ãÂÛ̳'s code of practice that the premises will not be denied to any individual on any ground connected with their beliefs.Ìý

Links

• °×С½ãÂÛ̳'s code of practice on freedom of speech