The following letter was sent jointly by IWGB Universities of London, UCL UNISON and UCL UCU to UCL Provost Dr Michael Spence on Friday 19th July, in response to his communication that UCL were carrying out legal action to evict the Palestine solidarity encampment in the main quad.

Dear Provost,

We write to you concerning your recent statement on the current student encampment in the UCL Main Quad. The commitment to further humanitarian support through scholarships and collaborations with the Council for At-Risk Academics is a positive step forward, and we hope to see them expanded and implemented in full. However, we express our deep concern and opposition to the recent decision to issue a formal notice to vacate the Main Quad to the protesters advocating for Palestine.

While we understand the logistical challenges that the encampment poses, it is crucial to acknowledge the significant reasons behind this protest. The encampment is a powerful and peaceful demonstration against the ongoing conflict in Gaza, highlighting the deep pain and suffering felt by many in our community and beyond. This is emphasised by our support as campus trade unions for student protests, as laid out in previous statements.

The Quad, often described as UCL’s ‘living room’, should indeed be a place that is open, welcoming, and usable for everyone. This includes providing space for students to express their views and engage in peaceful protest, especially on matters of significant global concern. The protest in the Quad is an important exercise of free speech and democratic engagement, values that are at the core of our university’s mission.

The right to protest is a fundamental aspect of our democratic values and academic freedom. Taking legal action to remove the protesters may send a message that dissent is not welcome, which could have lasting negative effects on the university’s reputation and its relationship with the student body. This decision is particularly concerning to us, given it follows a wider pattern of repression of protests and subsequent deterioration of working conditions on campus over the last six months. This includes the introduction of mandatory ID checks across campus and the banning of outsourced staff from showing solidarity with students. An eviction notice serves to further reproduce this hostile environment on campus for staff and students. This includes incoming first-year students, who may be perturbed by the fact that a democratic protest was curbed supposedly in their name.

We believe that further dialogue and negotiation, with an emphasis on finding a peaceful and mutually agreeable resolution, is the better path forward. We suggest exploring alternative venues for the Welcome Week activities or temporary adjustments to the schedule to accommodate the ongoing protest. Additionally, involving neutral mediators who can facilitate a resolution may help bridge the gap between the administration and the protesters. We are disappointed that such communication has not been given every opportunity to succeed and find a meeting point. 

We urge you to retract the decision to seek a court order for eviction and to continue striving for a peaceful solution that respects the rights and voices of all members of our community. A court case is at once confrontational. It behoves us to be the bigger partner and re-approach speaking to students. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to a favourable response.

Yours sincerely,

UCL UNISON Branch Committee

UCL UCU Executive Committee

IWGB University of London Branch Committee