Dear friends,
We're writing to you in solidarity for your current occupation of Glasgow University in solidarity with Gaza. We started to occupy the main lecture theatre here at Edinburgh University at 1pm today. That makes us the 24th University in the UK to join this mass movement!
We have a blog set up at http://edinburghunioccupation.wordpress.com/ if you'd like to follow our progress. You can find the press release with our demands on there. We'd be really keen to have a webcam chat with you all sometime, if that's something you'd like to do!
Edinburgh's demands
1. BOYCOTT – That the university immediately suspend all contracts and relations with companies enabling the conflict and/or occupation, including Eden Springs. This demand is contingent on access to information to establish which other companies are implicated.
2. DIVESTMENT – That the university divest from and cut all links – specifically on-campus recruitment – with BAE Systems, QinetiQ and all other “arms and defence” manufacturers whose products are proven to be in use by the Israeli military.
3. SCHOLARSHIPS – That the university make full scholarships available to at least 5 students in Gaza, allowing them to attend Edinburgh University. This is a response to the destruction of their universities by the Israeli military, and to other barriers, physical and psychological, which restrict their right to education.
4. AID – That the university collect and make available non-monetary donations to war-damaged Gazan schools and hospitals, including but not limited to text-books, chairs, computers.
5. EDUCATION – That logistical and financial support are provided for a series of informative lectures and debates at Edinburgh, involving university staff and guest speakers, on the Palestine/Israel question during the academic year 2009/10.
6. STUDENT SIT-IN – Lastly, we demand that no legal, financial or academic measures be taken against those participating in, or supporting, a peaceful sit-in to ensure our calls are answered.
edinburghunioccupation@googlemail.com
Yes we can! Keep it rollin' students the world is watching. action speaks louder than words.
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