On the same day that the students’ protest camp in Lundagård was demolished, a tone-deaf blog post by the rector was published. The title “Promotion is more important in times of turmoil” was followed by an attempt to convey the image of a united university. He seemed to want to put an end to a turbulent period that must have taken up a lot of his working time. The truth is that the university is deeply divided and many of us are shaken by the way the university leadership has enabled police violence against our students.
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Dissatisfaction exists in all faculties. The doctoral students’ union explicitly asked the rector to prevent the demolition of Palestinagård before the promotion, and several individual researchers and newly graduated doctors, who would have participated in the promotion, did the same. A petition is circulating demanding that Vice-Chancellor Erik Renström, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Lena Eskilsson and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Jimmie Kristensson be held responsible for exposing the students to police violence by refusing to negotiate in good faith and preparing the action together with the police.
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In a widely circulated photo from Gaza, we see a small hand with dirt and blood under its nails. A child of perhaps two years old trying to dig himself out of the rubble. The betrayal is inexcusable. To our bright and civic-minded students, we say: thank you for standing up for the most basic human rights when it really matters. We will not forget Palestinagård and the shameful actions of the university. You make us proud. Forgive us for not being able to protect you better.
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Written by three Lund University employees who were present on campus on Thursday 30 May 2024 when the police raided Palestinagård.

Published in Sydsvenskan 4 June 2024