Earlier this year, when protests took place in Cambridge, and in other universities, senior University figures engaged with the students involved on a regular basis over a period of months. Concerns were discussed during a constructive dialogue, and a joint statement was eventually agreed. This dialogue did not happen at many other universities. During the same period, members of Regent House proposed a Grace on divestment from the arms industry for consideration by the University Council.
Earlier this year, when protests took place in Cambridge, and in other universities, senior University figures engaged with the students involved on a regular basis over a period of months. Concerns were discussed during a constructive dialogue, and a joint statement was eventually agreed. This dialogue did not happen at many other universities. During the same period, members of Regent House proposed a Grace on divestment from the arms industry for consideration by the University Council.
It was agreed that the University’s approach to investments in, and research funded by, the defence industry should be examined further. It was also agreed that a working group would be established to make recommendations to the relevant University committees that oversee policies in relation to investments and research.
As a result, over the summer, plans for a working group were developed which reflected a broad range of relevant experience in order to take an evidence-based approach to such a very important issue. It was agreed that the group would include student membership. This proposal, including terms of reference for the working group, was presented to the University Council for discussion in October and approved.
Whilst these steps were criticised by some, the University Council has supported this significant step forward. Plainly, work of this complexity and scale takes time, and earlier timescales were optimistic.
On 25th November, the University Council reaffirmed membership of the working group to explore the University’s relationship with the defence industry. The terms of reference for this group were also reaffirmed. This important work will now commence.
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