Oxford University exams canceled after pro-Palestinian protests

A university was forced to cancel end-of-year exams for some of its students after buildings were occupied by pro-Palestinian protesters.

Thames Valley Police said their officers attended Oxford University following reports that protesters had gained access to exam schools.

The force is working with the university but said no arrests had been made.

A university spokesperson said: “It is not clear who represents the occupation group, as they claim to be operating without the knowledge of the Oxford Action for Palestine (OA4P) camps. »

They added that they were “disappointed” by the occupation of exam schools and the “absolutely unacceptable disruption caused to our students”.

“While the university supports the right to peacefully protest within the law and our rules, this action clearly exceeds the bounds of acceptable protest,” they said.

The university said it was putting contingency plans in place to ensure students had the opportunity to take their exams with “as little disruption as possible”.

Oxford Action for Palestine (OA4P) launched a sit-in at the university’s offices in Wellington Square on May 23, demanding a meeting on its policies relating to the conflict between Israel and Gaza.

In a statement, an OA4P spokesperson said: “An autonomous group of protesters occupied a wing of the exam schools, renaming the East School to Dahshan School in honor of the Palestinian scholar and martyr Saeed Dahshan.

“The protesters made it clear that their action was not affiliated with the OA4P and was undertaken without the knowledge of the OA4P.”

They added that support for Palestine extends beyond their group.

“This action is a reflection of the growing frustration felt by countless members of the academic community, who for months have urged the Oxford administration to act against Israel’s ongoing, catastrophic genocide in Gaza,” said the spokesperson for the OA4P.

Israel rejects accusations that it is engaging in genocidal acts as part of its Gaza campaign and has insisted it has the right to defend itself following Hamas’ armed incursion on October 7.