Pro-Palestine protesters have remained overnight on an encampment space after metal fences were erected by Oxford University at the weekend for 'public safety'.
On Sunday (June 23) morning the university erected metal fences around the encampment outside the Museum of Natural History.
However last night numerous members of Oxford Action for Palestine remained inside the fencing and slept at the encampment space.
On Sunday a sign was put up which read: “This site is temporarily closed on public safety grounds and to prevent further damage to university property. Unauthorised access is prohibited.”
A spokesperson for Oxford Action for Palestine today said: "During the early hours of Sunday morning Oxford University erected metal fencing around the entirety of the OA4P Gaza solidarity encampment in front of the Pitt Rivers Museum and announced the intention to clear the space.
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"The action was taken with no prior communication to OA4P and despite our continued use of the space, and, per the university’s own statement, was done to preserve the health of the lawn at the museum.
"Today, on day 50 of OA4P peacefully protesting Oxford’s complacency in the ongoing genocide in Gaza, we are equally appalled that the university would be willing to barricade its students behind fencing to ensure the health of mere grass.
"Despite this blatant attempt to intimidate and shutdown peaceful protest, numerous members of the OA4P community remained inside the fencing and slept overnight at the encampment space.
"This period is crucial as university administrations across the country are trying everything to shut down the movement as the summer begins, and yesterday's action is a clear example of that.
"OA4P is deeply troubled by this unnecessary escalatory action on the part of the university's Administration, especially as it defies the University’s recently stated public commitment to good-faith dialogue.
"We believe good faith dialogue necessitates respect for these sites of peaceful protest, which have garnered overwhelming support from the University and city communities.
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In a previous statement, Oxford University said: “The lawn outside the Museum of Natural History is an important space for our many visitors to enjoy and relax in.
"We have temporarily fenced off the area in preparation for returning it to public use, to avoid further damage to the lawn and to remove any hazards to the public that may have been left.
"We are also looking to prevent damage to the lawn’s irrigation system and associated warranties, the protective membrane for the lawn and the museum collections beneath.
"This land is for everyone at the university and our visitors, and we are taking these steps in the interest of public safety and preserving our own property and collections.”
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