Pro-Palestine students disrupt university graduation with shouting, banners and walkout

Droves of pro-Palestine students disrupted a university graduation ceremony by shouting, waving banners and walking out over the institution's alleged involvement with Israeli-backed companies.

Around 50 activists wearing graduation gowns staged the dramatic protest at the University of Edinburgh last Wednesday.

The demonstration took place at the historic McEwan Hall, where history students were receiving their degrees in front of family and friends in the Scottish capital.

Protesters brought the much-anticipated ceremony to a jarring halt with chanting before marching out of the venue adorned with flags and banners.

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Reports indicate one parent at the ceremony was "incandescent" about the disruption.

The parent said: "I don't think I have ever been made to feel so othered at a public event before in my life. That's our only child's only graduation. Ruined."

It came in response to the university's relationship with firms allegedly connected to Israel, with demonstrators directing their anger at the institution's leadership.

Vice-Chancellor Sir Peter Mathieson has become a particular target for left-wing student anger over the university's stance on the Middle East conflict.

The principal first drew criticism after a meeting with Israel's deputy ambassador to the UK in August 2024.

Sir Peter has also faced pressure from university staff regarding his oversight of £140 million in budget reductions.

During the protest, students shouted at Sir Peter to "pay your workers" rather than "f**king murderers".

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Further controversy surrounds the university's endowment fund, which holds stakes in multinational corporations said to maintain ties to the Israeli military, according to a United Nations report.

Oli Anselm, the outgoing president of Edinburgh's Jewish Society, condemned demonstrations for fostering a hostile environment for Jewish students on campus.

She accused university administrators of failing to take sufficient action against the protests, which have continued since the Gaza conflict began.

Ms Anselm told The Telegraph: "It is deeply upsetting that there has been such a lack of action regarding the recent graduation walkouts and Palestinian activism.

"Such actions continue to foster and cultivate a toxic culture on campus for Jewish students. The university must take action to prevent the detrimental ramifications for its Jewish students."

A university spokesman condemned the circumstances of the protest, saying: "Graduations are hugely significant milestones for our students.

"While we respect the right to peaceful protest, we also have a responsibility to ensure ceremonies can run smoothly and safely so that all of our graduates can celebrate their achievements with their families and supporters."

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