Supporting peaceful protest and campus safety

The University and Reading Students’ Union are in discussion with protestors after a campus protest was set up in the central quad on Whiteknights campus.

The peaceful protest, organised by the Friends of Palestine student society, and relating to the conflict in Gaza, was set up on Monday 20 May.

The University strongly supports the right to freedom of speech and to lawfully protest. However, we also have a duty to minimise disruption to students studying and taking exams, and to staff going about their work.

The safety of all members of our community is our priority. Working with Reading Students’ Union, our Security team is liaising with the student protesters and will be on hand to support those in the area at all times. To support them in this, we expect all within our University, including visitors, to follow relevant policies and regulations regarding conduct on campus at all times. We do not allow behaviour that amounts to harassment or intimidation or that incites violence.

We have shared our expectation with the protesters that their activities continue to be lawful and peaceful. We are clear that any behaviours which threaten or endanger other members of our community, or disrupt exams or other university business, are unacceptable.

If you feel unsafe or witness any concerning behaviour, such as harassment, discrimination, or abuse, report it immediately to the University Security team on 0118 378 7799.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Van de Noort said: “The University of Reading is committed to freedom of speech and encourages all members of the University community to engage in debate about competing ideas and challenging social problems. This can take many forms including peaceful and lawful protest.

“Through our rules and principles, we can ensure that all voices are heard while maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment for everyone on campus. There is no place for antisemitism or Islamophobia on campus.

“This also means being respectful of the normal activity of all University students and colleagues. It is important that we allow students to continue their learning, particularly during the exam period, without being unduly impacted.

“I have already met with the protesters, and look forward to further discussions with them and other staff and student groups.”

An update on the protest has also been issued to students by the University on the Me@Reading Portal and by Reading Students’ Union.

We will keep staff updated on any further significant developments.