On the evening of Friday, 1 November, intruders to the Chemistry Building smashed the window of a display cabinet and stole a bust of former University of Manchester academic, Chaim Weizmann, who later became the first President of Israel. It was one of several incidents committed around the country.
We have notified the police, who are investigating.
This was an act of vandalism and makes no contribution whatsoever to a better understanding of the current conflict in the Middle East.
Over more than a year, we have seen peaceful protests on campus and the exchange of strongly held views. We welcome this as part of our fundamental role as a university – a place dedicated to the discussion of often difficult ideas and beliefs.
Alongside our deep commitment to academic freedom is our commitment to the values of community, tolerance and respect. Freedom and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do.
We regularly host many events which discuss all sides of the current conflict in the Middle East, including a debate last week in Whitworth Hall. Although attempts were made to stop the event, it proceeded in full, and as difficult as the discussion was, different perspectives on the conflict were aired and debated, as they should be.
We know these issues are of great concern to our University community, particularly those with friends, family or close ties to the region, and we express our sympathy for all those caught up in the escalating conflict, as well as our hope for peace.
We are speaking regularly to our staff, students, and the local community, to ensure we are listening to their concerns and creating the conditions for mutual understanding, as well as a safe and respectful environment on our campus. The safety and well-being of all our students is paramount.
None of these discussions are easy. They can cause discomfort and pain to many in our community. However, it is crucial in a free society that they occur, within the law, and always with the aim of seeking mutual understanding, and not vilification or hate.
Duncan Ivison
President and Vice-Chancellor
