Amended Motion 108
Palestine and Scholasticide
“That this Congress notes that, as well as the catastrophic effects of the conflict in Gaza on the people of Gaza and its infrastructure and intensified violence against Palestinians on the West Bank, Israel’s actions have included the systematic and deliberate destruction of educational buildings and a concentration on preventing Palestinian children and students accessing their right to education, including university education.
“Congress congratulates Birzeit University for its ‘Right to Education’ campaign and notes the successful speaking tour of the UK by the university’s Sundos Hammad in Autumn 2024 who outlined their campaign and calls to action.
“Congress notes:
- that since October 2023, Israel has according to figures from the Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education, and repeated by Birzeit University, killed at least 10,490 students and injured 16,700 more;
- that seventeen universities and higher education institutions have been left paralysed, either partially or completely destroyed by bombings;
- over 88,000 university students have no access to education; and
- more than 500 school teachers and university staff have also been killed.
- that horrifying levels of death and destruction have been inflicted on schools and school aged children, with some 17,000 children reported killed in Gaza since October 2023, with some 700,000 now unable to attend school.
“Congress believes that the rebuilding of Gaza will require a functioning education system including universities, Schools, higher education institutions, colleges and schools.
“Congress therefore calls on the STUC General Council to:
- call on the Scottish and UK Governments to contribute to the rebuilding of demolished universities in Gaza;
- write to Scottish university principals asking them to build and maintain relations between their own institution and Gazan higher education institutions, connecting universities and ensuring their long-term resilience and sustainability;
- support schemes, such as SUSPS (Scottish Universities Supporting Palestinian Students) helping students from Palestine to study in Scotland; and
- support speaking tours and campaigns such as Birzeit University’s ‘Right to Education’ campaign.”
- to investigate and report on similar solidarity schemes, tours and campaigns relating to school sectors in Palestine, with a view to giving them STUC support in future.”
Mover: University and College Union
Seconder: Educational Institute of Scotland
Supporter: Edinburgh Trades Union Council
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