Trinity College in Dublin has imposed a fine of 214,000 euros on the university’s student union for recent protests against the Israeli military offensive in Gaza. The protests led to the closure of the Book of Kells exhibition, a popular tourist attraction at the university.
The Irish Senate’s Civil Action Group has expressed concern over the fine, calling it a dangerous precedent that will impact the union’s ability to provide services to students. They question the university’s lack of concern for student well-being and note the peaceful nature of the protests.
In solidarity with Gaza, the TCDSU has started a camping trip to demand the severing of ties with Trinity College in alignment with boycott, divestment, and sanctions principles. The university management has given a deadline for the fine to be paid and warns of potential sanctions such as exam bans, loss of accommodation, or expulsion for specific individuals involved in the protests.
The former TCDSU president Lynn Ruane criticizes the university’s response as intimidation, stating that protest is a constitutional right and a fundamental part of democracy. She calls on other universities around Ireland to stand in solidarity with TCDSU and support their cause for academic freedom and human rights.