‘Books not Bombs’ at Nottingham

Two weeks ago an occupation at Nottingham University in solidarity with the people of Gaza was forcefully ended by the university authorities.

On 6 February, amid hostile circumstances, students organised a rally on campus under the title of ‘Books Not Bombs’. The campaign demands that the university use some of the money it receives in research sponsorship from weapons development companies, including BAE systems, to provide academic aid and scholarships to students from Gaza.

The rally was attended by over 200 students and members of the local community who marched with banners and books held aloft to deliver a letter to the vice chancellor of the university.

After the march, local MP Alan Simpson gave a speech supporting our actions. We are now waiting to see if the university will respond in its usual intolerant, threatening and undemocratic manner, or meet our demands.

A Nottingham university student.