Ban all military linked businesses, companies or organisations from being present/promoted on campus
Category: National Issues
On the 16th of September, the University Officers Training Corps had a stall on campus to promote their organisation and recruit members. It is highly inappropriate to have any groups linked to the British military (or indeed any military) on our campus which is meant to value the common good, sustainability and inclusivity. The British military have been complicit in war crimes in Gaza through: direct and indirect exports of F-35 parts to Israel, procuring weapons from the Israeli military industry and the British military base in Cyprus which has been a site used by the UK, Germany and the US to supply Israel with weapons, intelligence and personal, since the start of the genocide. Moreover, the British military has a deep history of colonial violence and expansion and a university which seeks to 'decolonise the curriculum' should not host any groups linked to this.
This motion seeks to prevent all military linked businesses, companies or organisations from being present/promoted on our campus.
Source: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/611a64c35baa3f33556d5454/t/6798b1604694e819057b4184/1738060146895/British+Military+Collaboration+Report
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Comments
If we are "for the common good" this should be absolute common sense, especially currently with an ongoing genocide.
Given the urgent need for military re-armament due to a large neo-imperial power currently ravaging Eastern Europe, I don't think it's particularly in our national interest to create additional barriers against our military. Additionally, I don't really see how a 'history of deep colonial violence' can be cited as a valid argument. Those in power today were not responsible for the expansion and subjugation of our past empire, and the military today stands to protect our values of freedom and democracy against those who would see them undermined. Where is the line drawn? Should Norwegian universities impede their military because of their past as Viking raiders?
Universities are meant to be a place where difficult, controversial, and diverse ideas can be discussed. Banning one group on principle can set a precedent for restricting ideas or speakers, which goes against academic freedom and many universities have students who have served. A ban could alienate them or imply that their background is unwelcome.