How UK universities briefed BAE Systems on pro-Palestine campus protests
Summary
Thirteen UK universities have worked with weapons company BAE Systems to manage protests by students supporting Palestine. These universities have increased security and coordinated actions against criticism related to their financial and partnership ties with BAE Systems.Key Facts
- Thirteen UK universities communicated with BAE Systems about handling pro-Palestine protests on campus.
- The universities include Manchester, Nottingham, Southampton, Birmingham, Strathclyde, and Cranfield.
- BAE Systems gives up to 15 million pounds ($20 million) a year to these universities for research and partnerships.
- In 2024, BAE Systems encouraged universities to create responses against protest messages critical of these partnerships.
- After a protest online event in October 2024, the University of Sheffield disciplined four students for damaging the university’s reputation with BAE.
- Students were fined or had to agree not to join future unauthorized protests.
- A UN expert said this cooperation shows universities acting to protect corporate sponsors rather than supporting free inquiry.
- The University of Sheffield said their disciplinary process was independent and based on behavior rules, not outside influence.
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