We stand in full solidarity with all students at the University of Essex who have been in opposition to Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza.
As has been widely reported, the Israeli government has been committing genocide against the Palestinian people of Gaza, is actively using starvation as a weapon of war, and has announced plans to fully occupy Gaza.
Our hearts are with all of those in our community that have been affected by these atrocities, and the broader regional conflict that has affected the civilian populations in Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen.
We affirm our commitment to protecting freedom of speech and to protect students’ right to protest the genocidal actions of the Israeli government. The unmistakable and concerted crackdown on freedom of expression and protests in university campuses across the UK is alarming and unacceptable.
We commit to making sure the voices of students on this campus are heard and that no student is unfairly penalised for speaking out against injustice. Incidents such as the protracted investigation of the Essex6 are not acceptable.
To take immediate action to support our fellow Palestinian students, please join us in supporting the “Gaza40” campaign. This campaign advocates for the 40+ students in Gaza who have been offered places at Universities in the UK but are being held back by bureaucratic restraints to access the education they have rightfully earned.
We call on the government to facilitate a biometric visa referral and create a route of safe passage for our fellow students. To support:
Your 25/26 Student Leader Team
Support for Students
Support is available from the University, Students’ Union and online for anyone that needs it.