St Andrews students stage copycat sit-in

Following on from the protest in Edinburgh which saw students take over the George Square lecture theatre, students at the University of St Andrews have now occupied a university building. Activists at the ancient institution handed a 600 signature petition to the principal demanding that the university cut ties with Israeli contractors and begin an aid and scholarship programme.

The numbers have grown to around 200 students since last Wednesday when 60 students began the protest in Lower College Hall. Demands include a suspension of university ties with two companies, Eden Springs—an Israeli company which bottles water from occupied territories—and BAE systems which provide military assistance to Israeli Defence Force.

The principal at the university, Dr Louise Richardson had initially refused to meet with protesters to discuss the demands until they ended their occupation. Students responded angrily, threatening to protest outside Parliament Hall, where the University Court was to convene from for its quarterly meeting. However, the prinicipal came to meet with protesters on Friday, while they agreed on certain issues.

The sticking point centered around the university's "neutral" links with companies in Gaza. Dom Feargrieve, a third-year Philosophy and Theology students said: "By not divesting from BAE systems or canceling its contract with Eden Springs, the university implicitly condones Israeli action – this is hardly a neutral stance."

As the protest continues, big names are have leant their support to the students in St Andrews. Earlier this week, academic Noam Chomsky said: "I am very pleased to learn about the courageous and honorable actions of the students at St Andrews." In addition, the academic made a personal appearance at 100-strong rally held in St Salvador Quad on Sunday. Representatives of political pressure groups who also attended the rally included, Glasgow-Palestine Human Rights Campaign, International Solidarity Movement Scotland and Scottish Jews for a Just Peace.

The sit in protest in St Andrews began two days after the occuption of university buildings in Edinburgh came to an end. The protesters at St Andrews were no doubt encouraged by the sucess of the students who left George Square lecture theatre early on Monday morning. The group had succeeded in having most of their demands met, following a 6 day sit-in. Further debate and discussions have been promised, including an invitation to present their views regarding share disinvestment at the university court.

Students involved in the sit-in have also received assurances of efforts to collaborate on fundraising to send aid to Gaza to ease the humanitarian crisis there. Activists also hope to invite the wider student body to attend a lecture and series of debates organised with the support of the University. Also promised was a complete end to the Eden Springs contract by the end of the next academic year, and five annual scholarships for students from Gaza.

The occupation of St Andrews University continues, with the earliest anticipated end being Monday when further meetings are scheduled to be held.

According to the broadcaster Al Jazeera, the Israeli incursion into Gaza began on 27 December and has killed over 1,300 civilians and made over 100,000 people homeless.