This motion was passed at GUCU Branch meeting on 01/12/2023
This branch notes:
- UCU Congress passed a motion in 2023 to push for USS and HE institutions to divest from arms companies and companies profiting from imperialist wars, occupation, borders and environmental destruction
- Congress passed a motion in 2023 to authorise all appropriate action from branches to protect students and staff who find themselves under attack for supporting the cause of the Palestinian people
- Congress passed a motion in 2021 to call on branches to organise against the adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism and press for the adoption of the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism
- Congress passed a motion in 2021 to call on the UK government and devolved administrations to impose trade sanctions and arms embargoes on Israel and urge branches to support Palestinian rights
This branch believes:
- UCU as a union should reaffirm its policies on academic freedom, support for staff supporting the cause of the Palestinian people, and divestment
- Signing onto the open letter to the General Secretary (GS) and Higher Education Committee (HEC) calling on them to follow relevant UCU policies per previous motions regarding solidarity with Palestine
This branch resolves:
- To sign onto the open letter to the GS and HEC