This afternoon, the University Court (the governing body of the University of Glasgow) discussed a set of demands submitted by a student group, Glasgow Against Arms and Fossil Fuels (GAAF), together with draft responses prepared by a subgroup chaired by a lay member of Court.  GAAF’s demands related principally to the University’s position on investments in the defence sector and its support for those affected by the conflict in Gaza. 

Court noted that the University is already very active in supporting those affected by the conflict through the award of scholarships and fellowships.  We are determined to be a leader in this area, using our academic and other resources to provide practical help to those affected, working with parties in the UK and across the Middle East.  In keeping with our institutional values, we will contribute as strongly as we can to the rebuilding of higher education in Gaza post conflict.  Our commitment will be similar in scale to our support for Ukraine and will be enduring over the coming years.  We want to create a broad coalition, within and beyond the University, which makes a positive difference to people’s lives in both the short and long term.

Following a full discussion, Court endorsed the draft responses put forward by the subgroup.  With regard to investments, Court recognised the important role our campus community plays in shaping the University’s values and how these are reflected in our investment strategy.  Consequently, the University will:

  • Undertake a full consultation with the University community on our Socially Responsible Investment Policy with a view to revising and strengthening it (this work to be completed as soon as possible but no later than November). The consultation will encompass our investments in specific sectors including the defence sector.
  • Following Court approval of the revised SRI Policy, re-tender that part of the University’s fund management arrangements that still allows investment in the defence sector (recognising that one part of our fund management arrangements already excludes investments in arms).

In addition, we will:

  • Invite student representatives and the campus trade unions to join a task group which will shape the University’s ongoing response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Notes:

  1. The University of Glasgow was one of the first universities in the UK to call for a humanitarian ceasefire and the immediate release of all hostages. This remains our position.
  2. Glasgow was one of the first universities in the UK to disinvest in fossil fuels. The process of disinvesting in fossil fuels was completed in 2023.
  3. The University’s endowments support scholarships and bursaries for disadvantaged students, making access to higher education possible for individuals who would otherwise be unable to afford it.

First published: 18 June 2024

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