"The right to protest is not a privilege—it is a fundamental right, and it must be defended"
“The right to protest is not a privilege—it is a fundamental right, and it must be defended”
We strongly oppose the University of Cambridge’s application for an injunction that threatens students’ fundamental rights to protest, freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly. This legal move undermines the ability of students and staff to campaign on important issues and sets a troubling precedent for suppressing dissent within our academic community.
The University’s attempt to secure a sweeping injunction until 2030 is deeply alarming, particularly as it specifically targets protests related to the Palestine-Israel conflict. Such a measure is inherently discriminatory and disproportionately affects Palestinian and pro-Palestinian students and staff, which will have a ripple effect on other marginalised and protected communities. This raises serious concerns about institutional bias and the erosion of democratic rights within the University.
Additionally, it restricts the ability of future students to engage in peaceful activism without fear of severe legal consequences. The right to assemble, protest, and hold institutions accountable is a cornerstone of academic freedom. Suppressing this right risks eroding the very principles of open discourse and critical inquiry that universities should uphold.
If granted, this injunction would create a chilling effect on student activism, discouraging individuals from engaging in legitimate political expression and advocacy. The sweeping terms of the injunction, particularly the prohibition on any action that might ‘block, prevent, slow down, obstruct or otherwise interfere with the access’ extend beyond University property and risk criminalising peaceful demonstrations in surrounding public spaces. This could mean that even standing outside Senate House to hand in a petition or holding a sign on a nearby street could be deemed unlawful. Additionally, the restriction on entering, occupying, or remaining on University land for protest, along with the explicit ban on any structures such as tents, severely curtails students' ability to engage in a long-term protest and dissent. It is unacceptable that students who seek to challenge injustice should face threats of legal action, financial penalties, or even imprisonment simply for participating in peaceful demonstrations at visible locations. Universities should foster debate, not stifle it through repressive measures that criminalise peaceful assembly.
We urge the University to withdraw this application and reaffirm its commitment to protecting the rights of students and staff. The governance of a world-leading institution should not be driven by fear and control but by the principles of free expression and intellectual freedom. The right to protest is not a privilege—it is a fundamental right, and it must be defended.
We fully endorse the open letter to the Vice-Chancellor and encourage all members of the University community to add their support.
Sign the open letter here:
Open letter on the University's application for an injunction to prevent protests for Palestine at Senate House and other administrative buildings