The University of the Arts London (UAL) has confirmed that political protest material will not be permitted at its graduation ceremonies this summer and that any flags, banners or other political displays that appear will be removed.
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UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) and a parent of a student had raised concerns about the disruption of university graduation ceremonies by anti-Israel protesters and the impact this can have on Jewish students and their families.
In an email sent to the parent this week, UAL’s Chief of Staff, Jo Brayton, confirmed that the University had reviewed its procedures and briefings for graduation ceremonies taking place at the Royal Festival Hall.
She wrote:
“There will be no protest material permitted on site at the Royal Festival Hall, including inside the auditorium.”
She added:
“This does not necessarily mean there will be no flags or banners or any material criticising the University or expressing political views, but if there are, they will be removed.”
UAL also confirmed that it has procedures in place to deal with students who seek to disrupt ceremonies while crossing the stage and stated that these procedures uphold freedom of expression while preventing undue disruption.
The University also assured parents that it would do all it could to protect students and guests and to ensure that they have the best possible experience at graduation.
UKLFI’s letter had highlighted reports from Jewish students and families who said they had felt intimidated, excluded or distressed by political protests taking place during graduation ceremonies and other university events.
The letter pointed out that universities have obligations under the Equality Act 2010 to avoid subjecting students to discrimination and harassment of students and staff because of protected characteristics, including Jewish ethnicity, religion and Zionist beliefs. Harassment includes creating a hostile, intimidating or offensive environment.
The letter also referred to the Public Order Act 1986 and the university’s duty of care.
In an earlier response to UKLFI, UAL stated that it was committed to the wellbeing of its staff and students and that it would continue to uphold freedom of expression in accordance with the law.
The latest assurances go considerably further by setting out practical measures that will be implemented during this summer’s ceremonies.
A spokesperson for UKLFI said:
“We welcome UAL’s commitment to ensuring that graduation ceremonies remain occasions for celebration rather than political confrontation. Students and their families should be able to enjoy these important milestones without being subjected to intimidating political demonstrations or hostile messaging. We are pleased that UAL has reviewed its procedures and has made clear that protest material will not be permitted and will be removed if it appears. We hope that other universities will follow this example.”