Student activists at Trinity College Dublin have set up an encampment on campus in protest against the conflict in Gaza, leading to restrictions on access to the university grounds. Members of the Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union and the Trinity Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions group initiated the blockade, following similar actions in the US and France.
The protesters erected tents and blocked off the entrance to the Old Library, home to the Book of Kells. This disruption was in support of Palestinian liberation and the adoption of boycott, divestment, and sanction (BDS) principles by the university. The encampment was a response to fines imposed by the university on the students’ union for organizing protests, including those in solidarity with Palestinians.
The activists demanded that Trinity College sever ties with Israeli universities and divest from companies linked to the Jewish state. While the university supports the right to protest, it emphasized that demonstrations must be conducted within the campus. In response to safety concerns, access to the campus was restricted to individuals with college ID, and the Book of Kells exhibit remained closed.
The closure of the Old Library had an impact on researchers, students, and staff. The university’s decision to limit access and keep the exhibit closed was intended to ensure the safety of all individuals on campus. The ongoing blockade reflects a broader international movement advocating for Palestinian rights and challenging institutions with ties to Israel.
