At the University of Copenhagen, a group of pro-Palestinian students have set up a tent camp as part of a demonstration, where they voice demands for the university’s recognition and condemnation of killings of Palestinians. This comes in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Minister of Education and Research Christina Egelund (Liberal Alliance) has publicly expressed her support for the university’s decision not to get involved in political matters, but instead focus on its core mission: education and research. The Minister emphasized on social media that the university’s role is not to act as a political actor, but to ensure a safe and free space for academic work and freedom of expression. “It is not the university’s task to be a political actor, but to educate and conduct research in a safe environment while considering both freedom of speech and academic freedom,” she wrote.
The demonstrators, led by the movement Students against Occupation, have indicated that they will not leave the university’s premises until their demands are met. Emil Nielsen, spokesperson for the group, spoke to Berlingske about their decision to stay on site. Despite the university’s rejection of the demands, they have made it clear that students are still welcome to express their views on campus. The situation in Denmark stands in contrast to the more violent events in the United States, where similar demonstrations have led to clashes with the police and thousands of arrests. In Denmark, the demonstrations have so far been peaceful.
The demonstration at the University of Copenhagen is part of a larger wave of global solidarity with the Palestinians and resistance to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. This reflects a growing international movement among students and academic institutions who wish to take a stand in international conflicts.