A group of student protesters from the University of Manchester have occupied Whitworth Hall, disrupting exams to advocate for Palestinian resistance and demand changes in university policies.
On Monday, May 27, 2024, a group of student protesters from the University of Manchester occupied Whitworth Hall, disrupting upcoming exams scheduled for the week. This occupation is linked to the Encampment of Resistance for Palestine, which has seen participation from over 500 students and community members.
The protesters, associated with Manchester Leftist Action, have barricaded themselves inside the building and issued a list of demands. These include no disciplinary action against student protesters, ending the university’s partnership with BAE Systems, severing ties with Tel Aviv University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and ensuring that all university research does not contribute to the arms trade.
The University of Manchester stated that attempts to remove the protesters have been unsuccessful and have activated contingency plans for the affected exams. The Greater Manchester Police attended a nearby protest but confirmed they had no involvement inside Whitworth Hall. Superintendent Nicola Williams noted that while the main protest was largely peaceful, some incidents, including theft and affray, are under investigation.
The university emphasized the protection of students’ rights to free speech and peaceful protest, but stressed that disrupting exams violates student conduct regulations.
