The University of Bristol has failed to prevent Open Day disruptions, despite commitments  that is would do so, following similar incidents last year.

UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) have written to the University following a disruptive anti-Israel protest during a recent Open Day, expressing serious concern over the University’s failure to prevent a repeat of similar incidents that occurred last year. Despite UKLFI’s previous warnings and commitments from the University to review its protocols, this latest disruption raises serious questions about whether adequate action was taken.

During the Open Day for potential applicants to Bristol University and their parents, a group of current students, some masked and carrying banners, entered the lecture theatre, took over the podium, and delivered a political message for approximately three minutes of the scheduled thirty-minute talk. The protesters urged “Free Palestine” and demanded that the University sever ties with companies allegedly linked to the arming of Israel. The incident was deeply shocking and distressing for a number of attendees.

One of the parents, present with her daughter said:   “It was shocking  and upsetting for us”.

This incident mirrors similar disruptions that occurred during last year’s Open Days, which were the subject of previous correspondence between UKLFI and the University. UKLFI had highlighted the serious impact of those protests, including the harassment of attendees through the creation of an intimidating, hostile, and offensive environment for Jewish, Israeli and Zionist audience members. The conduct appeared to contravene the Equality Act 2010 and may also have constituted criminal offences under the Public Order Act 1986 and the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, in addition to contravening the University’s own policies on acceptable behaviour and freedom of speech.

In its response last year, the University had stated that it would review its security and protest protocols and seek input from relevant community organisations to inform that process. It also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive campus for all. However, the recurrence of similar conduct at this year’s Open Day suggests that the University failed to implement effective preventative measures. UKLFI has warned that this raises serious concerns as to whether the University has meaningfully engaged with the issue and is complying with its legal obligations.

UKLFI has urged the University to take responsibility for its failure to prevent a recurrence of this behaviour and to commit to significantly more robust action going forward, both to uphold the rights and safety of students, staff and visitors, and to mitigate the legal and reputational risks arising from its apparent non-compliance with its statutory duties.

UKLFI has also asked the University to clarify:

• The outcome of the review it committed to undertaking following last year’s events;
• What measures were implemented ahead of this year’s Open Days to prevent a recurrence of similar disruption;
• Whether any individuals involved in last year’s protests were subject to disciplinary action;
• What steps will now be taken in response to those responsible for the most recent disruption; and
• What steps the University intends to take to prevent future disruptions, including confirmation that it will now adopt a more decisive and proactive approach in responding to such conduct.

A UKLFI spokesperson said: “We are disappointed that the University did not act on the concerns we raised last year and allowed similar disruption to occur again. We hope that the University will now treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves and take effective steps to prevent such incidents at future events.”