TU Dublin Statement on Statement on Palestine and Israel
Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) remains steadfast in its commitment to the core principles that guide its mission and activities, particularly in the context of requests that may arise for the University to take a stance on geopolitical issues. As a signatory of the Magna Charta Universitatum, TU Dublin emphasises its dedication to independence, integrated teaching and research, and the fostering of free inquiry and debate.
The Magna Charta Universitatum, endorsed by nearly 1000 universities across 94 countries, outlines three fundamental principles:
- Independence Ensuring that research and teaching are intellectually and morally autonomous from political and economic influences.
- Integrated Teaching and Research Promoting an inseparable bond between teaching and research, engaging students in the quest for knowledge and understanding.
- Free Inquiry and Debate Upholding the university as a platform for open dialogue and the rejection of intolerance.
In alignment with these principles, TU Dublin will not typically adopt positions on national or international political matters or geopolitical conflicts. This neutrality is crucial for preserving academic freedom and providing a safe space for diverse opinions within the university community.
TU Dublin recognises the importance of fostering an environment committed to peace, human rights, and academic freedom. The university, therefore, reserves the right to voice concerns over human rights abuses, particularly when its community members are directly affected or when its core principles are under threat.
We believe that the current conflict in the Middle East is one such situation. Since the appalling terrorist attack on Israel on October 7th, we have witnessed a retaliation which has seen innocent civilians in Gaza suffering the most severe trauma and paying a terrible cost in terms of lives lost. The University deplores any breach of human rights by any party. We denounce the terrorist attack on Israel on October 7th, the use of sexual violence as a weapon of terror, the taking of hostages, and attacks on innocent civilians in Gaza. We are horrified by the deteriorating conditions in Gaza and the humanitarian disaster which continues due to the insufficient delivery of essential aid.
We support international peace efforts and call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, the free flow of aid, and for all parties to respect international humanitarian law to protect innocent civilians. We recognise and support the International Court of Justice’s position that Israel must “take all measures within its power to prevent and punish the direct and public incitement to commit genocide in relation to members of the Palestinian group in the Gaza Strip".
We value and are proud of the diversity of our university community, and we are dedicated to ensuring that all voices are heard and respected. We reject racism and hatred of any kind, whether that be islamophobia or antisemitism or any other form. TU Dublin must be a safe space for all.
We respect and support the right of staff and students to express personal views on geopolitical matters, provided this is done respectfully. TU Dublin acknowledges the importance of institutional independence, intellectual and moral autonomy, academic freedom, open inquiry, tolerance, respect, diversity, inclusion, equity, and fairness. TU Dublin conducts all its activities in accordance with our values of integrity and respect for all communities. The university calls on its community to support these principles, especially during times of widespread human suffering and global conflict situations to ensure an environment of respect, integrity, and academic freedom at TU Dublin.
TU Dublin currently operates an International Protection Applicants Scholarship programme that is available to support students who have come to Ireland seeking refuge and are going through the International Protection Application process. This scholarship scheme is open to Palestinian students, and refugee students from other countries, who are now in Ireland. The University is also pursuing its ambition to become a recognised University of Sanctuary that welcomes refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants into our community in a welcoming and inclusive manner.
The University would like to express its support for any person in our community whose loved ones are affected by international conflict. Supports from the University are available at:
For Students
For Staff
https://www.tudublin.ie/for-staff/human-resources/employee-assistance-service/
For information:
- TU Dublin can confirm that we do not have any investments with exposure to Israeli companies.
- The University has two Israeli companies on our list of suppliers, although there is no ongoing procurement with either.
- The University does not have any active bilateral partnerships with Israeli academic institutions or companies.
- We are a partner on a Horizon Europe research project aimed at investigating the use of AI to predict patient outcomes in acute stroke which includes an Israeli hospital among its nine partners.