Bristol University has apologised and committed to review its protocols after the latest anti-Israel disruptions of an Open Day event.

UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) wrote to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Evelyn Welch, about extensive disruption of the University’s Open Day last year , after being contacted by distressed attendees. The Vice-Chancellor replied that the University was “reviewing [its] protocols for future events”.

Despite this review, disruption of the Open Day took place again this year. During the incident, a group of students, some masked and carrying banners, interrupted a talk, taking over the podium, calling to “Free Palestine” and for the University to cut ties with companies allegedly linked to the arming of Israel. The disruption caused shock and distress to a number of attendees.

UKLFI wrote again to the Vice-Chancellor, reiterating concerns that such conduct likely breached the law and the University’s policies, and urged the University to adopt more decisive and proactive measures to prevent further repeats of such incidents.

Professor Welch has now responded to UKLFI, offering “sincere apologies” and acknowledging that some visitors “may not have felt safe and welcome.” She explained that following last summer’s protests, Bristol had reviewed and updated it protocols “to ensure they were as robust as possible” and the revised approach was implemented this year.  Despite these measures, the disruptions had continued, although significantly fewer had taken place.  Professor Welch said that fewer than 1.5% of sessions were affected with 8 out of 536 sessions experiencing problems. She confirmed that the University is again reviewing its approach, which could include further security investments, the allocation of student workers to key locations and additional staff briefings.

The Vice-Chancellor affirmed: “Everyone on our campus deserves to feel confident and secure, and we do not tolerate any form of racism, discrimination, incitement, bullying or harassment at our University.”

A UKLFI spokesperson said: “While it is regrettable that protests again disrupted the Open Day, we are encouraged that the University’s previous measures appear to have reduced their frequency. We welcome the Vice-Chancellor’s apology and her commitment to reviewing protocols to ensure the University remains a safe and welcoming place for all.”