Our commitment to the right of protest, the safety of our community, and SOAS’s mission
In recent days, there has been commentary, particularly on social media, regarding a decision at SOAS involving the expulsion of a small number of students. Some have alleged that these expulsions were targeted at students who were campaigning against genocide in Gaza.
Let me be absolutely emphatic on this point that SOAS has never and will never take disciplinary action against students for their views on, or for protesting about, Israel and Palestine. We are appalled by what we are witnessing in Gaza, and it remains right that SOAS publicly added its collective voice to those calling for a ceasefire in 2023.
Our university doesn’t just value and defend the principle of freedom of expression, the experience of what we see on our campus tells a story of a university where academic freedom flourishes. The past 19 months have seen hundreds of peaceful events, vigils, and protests take place on our campus that reflect a vibrant culture of free expression, something we have examined in more detail on the SOAS website.
Our policies, regulations, and the law prevent us from discussing the specifics of individual disciplinary cases, though we have publicly clarified the type of behaviour we have taken action to address over the last 19 months, such as vandalism, exam disruption, and threats to staff and students.
Despite these clarifications, we have faced criticism from some for allegedly expelling students for Palestinian protest. Most of those making these allegations are unaware of the specific details of the disciplinary proceedings.
To address this misrepresentation, I want to outline the general principles guiding decisions to suspend or expel individuals at SOAS in line with our procedures and policies.
Right to protest
No one will be suspended or expelled for expressing a view or participating in a protest. Our policies explicitly protect both.
When disciplinary action is taken
Disciplinary action requires specific violations of our Code of Conduct. Even in such cases, sanctions are a last resort - except in serious criminal matters - and are normally preceded by warnings, mediation, and milder measures.
Serious or repeated violations
Suspension or expulsion is considered only for serious violations or repeated breaches of our Code of Conduct that threaten the safety of our community, individual rights, or the functioning of the institution. Students have the opportunity to appeal against any sanction which is applied such as expulsion, as the students have a right to do so in the recent disciplinary actions.
Equal application of rules
Rules and sanctions apply equally to all, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, nationality, political beliefs, or whether a cause is perceived as ‘progressive’ or ‘conservative.’ Applying sanctions based on demographics or political legitimacy would violate the principles of equality and natural justice.
Protecting the university’s mission
Action may be necessary if an individual’s conduct creates a hostile environment, causes fear of harassment or threats, or stifles others’ ability to share their views. SOAS must remain a space for a plurality of ideas; differences in strategy or tactics in advocating a cause should not lead to silencing or targeting those with alternative views.
As a public university, SOAS welcomes open discussion and reflection on its decisions. However, it is important to understand the specifics of any case before passing judgement.
We must also remain mindful of global crises - in Gaza, Sudan, the DRC, Ukraine, and elsewhere - while ensuring that advocacy for peace does not undermine the essential mission of our university. SOAS must continue to be a place where students can come and benefit from all that an education can offer and provide a safe and collegial environment for colleagues to work.
Thank you for your continued commitment to the values of SOAS and your support in delivering a university environment that everyone can enjoy.