SOAS Student Leaders Win Legal Settlement Over Dismissal for Pro-Palestine Activism
Two former student leaders at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London have secured a legal settlement with the university’s students’ union following their dismissal from elected sabbatical roles. Alexander Cachinero-Gorman and Abel Harvie-Clark were removed from their positions as vice presidents in June 2024, shortly after being elected in March, before they could assume office. The pair alleged that their dismissal was wrongful and motivated by their anti-Zionist beliefs and pro-Palestine activism, rather than the conduct concerns cited by the union. Although the case did not proceed to a full tribunal hearing, the settlement is viewed by the activists as a recognition of the injustice they faced. They criticized SOAS and its union for suppressing student democracy and free speech, describing the institutional environment as hostile toward anti-Zionist voices. The dispute arose amidst heightened tensions on campus following Israel’s bombardment of Gaza in late 2023. This outcome underscores growing conflicts between UK universities and student activists regarding political expression and institutional accountability in the context of the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.
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SOAS Student Leaders Win Legal Settlement Over Dismissal for Pro-Palestine Activism
Two former student leaders at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London have secured a legal settlement with the university’s students’ union following their dismissal from elected sabbatical roles. Alexander Cachinero-Gorman and Abel Harvie-Clark were removed from their positions as vice presidents in June 2024, shortly after being elected in March, before they could assume office. The pair alleged that their dismissal was wrongful and motivated by their anti-Zionist beliefs and pro-Palestine activism, rather than the conduct concerns cited by the union. Although the case did not proceed to a full tribunal hearing, the settlement is viewed by the activists as a recognition of the injustice they faced. They criticized SOAS and its union for suppressing student democracy and free speech, describing the institutional environment as hostile toward anti-Zionist voices. The dispute arose amidst heightened tensions on campus following Israel’s bombardment of Gaza in late 2023. This outcome underscores growing conflicts between UK universities and student activists regarding political expression and institutional accountability in the context of the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.
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