The UCU Left is a national organisation of University and College Union activists. It is committed to ensuring that the new union has a democratic structure through which members can determine policy, and elected officers and professional officials can be held accountable. It seeks to defend educational equality, and to oppose the consequences of neo-liberal marketisation. It is opposed to all forms of racism, sexism, oppression and imperialism.
Motion 30 - ‘Boycott of Israeli Academic Institutions’
Motion 30 as amended

Congress notes that Israel’s 40-year occupation has seriously damaged the fabric of Palestinian society through annexation, illegal settlement, collective punishment and restriction of movement.

Congress deplores the denial of educational rights for Palestinians by invasions, closures, checkpoints, curfews, and shootings and arrests of teachers, lecturers and students.

Congress condemns the complicity of Israeli academia in the occupation, which has provoked a call from Palestinian trade unions for a comprehensive and consistent international boycott of all Israeli academic institutions.

Congress believes that in these circumstances passivity or neutrality is unacceptable and criticism of Israel cannot be construed as anti-semitic.

Congress instructs the NEC to:
  • Circulate the full text of the Palestinian boycott call to all branches/LAs for information and discussion;


  • Encourage members to consider the moral implications of existing and proposed links with Israeli academic institutions;


  • Organise a UK-wide campus tour for Palestinian academic/educational trade unionists;


  • Issue guidance to members on appropriate forms of action;


  • Actively encourage and support branches to create direct links with Palestinian institutions and to help set up nationally sponsored programmes for teacher exchanges, sabbatical placements, and research.

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