BREAKING: University–WSWP negotiations collapse after ‘harassment’ of staff

The University of Warwick has terminated discussions with protest group Warwick Stands With Palestine (WSWP) after it accused the group of ‘targeting’ and ‘harassing’ staff, The Boar understands.

An email seen exclusively by The Boar sent by Dr Chris Twine, the University’s Secretary to Council, to WSWP ended ongoing talks with the group shortly after a stunt at the end of November.

In a series of posts on Instagram, WSWP had suggested that “big things [were.] coming”, before holding a leafletting session on 26 November.

A statement by the group at the time told supporters to “never give up the element of surprise”. The Boar understands that the intention of the stunt had been to generate momentum online, as well as waste University resources.

UEB [University Executive Board] had understood from meetings […] that the targeting, intimidation, or harassment of staff was unacceptable

Dr Chris Twine, Warwick Secretary to Council

The post highlighted as ‘harassment’ by Dr Twine. The post was taken down shortly after this article’s publication. | Image: The Boar

However, in his email to the group, Dr Twine took issue with WSWP’s social media activity, claiming the posts undermined “our ability to engage in dialogue with yourselves in a mutually respectful manner”.

In particular, he highlighted a post, since deleted, that included a close-up photo of Stuart Croft, the Vice-Chancellor. Dr Twine argued that such a post constituted the targeting and harassment of Croft, and that “UEB [University Executive Board] had understood from meetings […] that the targeting, intimidation, or harassment of staff was unacceptable”.

Additionally, Dr Twine singled out an update posted by WSWP on 22 November, in which the group had informed its supporters of the progress of talks with the University. The email claimed that “several of the posts […] are open to misinterpretation”.

Consequently, the University took the decision to end talks with WSWP, stating: “We will not be meeting directly with WSWP representatives from now on.”

They instead noted that “established governance and student voice channels” would act as the means by which further discussions could take place.

The University is using bureaucratic excuses to avoid being held accountable for its partnerships and investments that are complicit in war crimes

Warwick Stands With Palestine statement

In an Instagram post announcing the end of talks, Warwick Stands With Palestine slammed the University’s decision, declaring: “It is clear that the University is using bureaucratic excuses to avoid being held accountable for its partnerships and investments that are complicit in war crimes.

“Warwick Stands With Palestine is deeply disappointed in the decision to delay any form of progress that could be made.”

The group added: “History is watching.” They did not mention the University’s claims of harassment in their statement.

The University and Warwick Stands With Palestine were approached for comment.

This is a developing story.