The pro-Palestine encampment that took over Curtin University’s engineering building has led to the university and its Student Guild withdrawing support for the cause. The university has disclosed its connections to companies such as Lockheed Martin, Babcock Australasia, BAE Systems, NOVA Systems, and Huntington Ingalls Industries through its national resilience and security research field. Despite this, the university stated that they do not have direct or indirect investments in manufacturers of weapons of war, but have committed to publishing an annual list of all sectors of university investment.
In response to the encampment, Curtin University announced that they partner with the Australian Defence Force and national and international corporations to further Australia’s national resilience and security, as described on their website. The Student Guild has indicated that the disclosure of the university’s connections to weapons manufacturing companies is a direct result of the encampment. They see it as a milestone in their ongoing campaign for Curtin University to cut all ties to weapons manufacturing. The university has stated that they prioritize the safety and wellbeing of all students and will be moving to end the encampment.
The Student Guild at Curtin University has reiterated their commitment to prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of all students in light of the situation with the pro-Palestine encampment. They have announced that they will be moving to end the encampment following the university’s disclosure of their connections to weapons manufacturing companies. The Guild sees this disclosure as a significant step in their campaign to push Curtin University to sever all ties to weapons manufacturing companies. They have expressed gratitude for the impact of the encampment in bringing attention to this issue.
Curtin University’s disclosure of its connections to weapons manufacturing companies comes after the pro-Palestine encampment took over the university’s engineering building. Despite this disclosure, the university has clarified that they do not have direct or indirect investments in manufacturers of weapons of war. They have committed to publishing an annual list of all sectors of university investment, as part of their efforts to promote transparency and accountability. The university partners with the Australian Defence Force and other entities to further Australia’s national resilience and security, as outlined on their website.
The Student Guild and Curtin University have both made statements regarding the pro-Palestine encampment and the university’s connections to weapons manufacturing companies. The Guild has emphasized their commitment to student safety and wellbeing, while also acknowledging the impact of the encampment in bringing attention to the issue. The university has reiterated their commitment to transparency and accountability, stating that they do not have investments in manufacturers of weapons of war. Both parties are taking steps to address the situation and move forward in a way that aligns with their values and priorities.
