Students from Trinity College Dublin and Lausanne University in Switzerland have recently taken to the streets to voice their grievances regarding Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
In Dublin, the student body constructed a makeshift encampment, prompting the university to enforce restrictions on campus access and even close down the iconic Book of Kells exhibition, a significant tourist draw in Ireland.
The catalyst for this protest was the university’s decision to levy a hefty fine of €214,000 on the student union, purportedly to cover damages resulting from previous protests, not exclusively linked to the Gaza issue.
The protesters at Trinity College were adamant in their demands, urging the institution to sever academic ties with Israel and to divest from companies with any associations to the country.
These actions underscored the growing wave of global solidarity with the Palestinian cause, as similar demonstrations have been witnessed on campuses across the United States, Australia, and Canada.
Meanwhile, in Lausanne, approximately 100 students occupied a university building in solidarity with their counterparts in Dublin.
Their demands mirrored those in Ireland, calling for an end to scientific collaborations with Israel.
Despite the disruption, the university administration in Lausanne opted for a more tolerant approach, allowing the occupation to continue until Monday, with the caveat that it should not impede campus operations.
In response to the mounting pressure, the authorities at Trinity College, led by Linda Doyle, the college’s head, announced a review of the institution’s investments.
However, they maintained that any decisions regarding academic collaborations with Israeli institutions would remain the prerogative of individual faculty members.
This nuanced stance reflects the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the issue of Israel-Palestine relations on university campuses worldwide.
