Belfield Campus Update: A message from the President, 21 May 2024

Posted 21 May, 2024

This is a message to all UCD students and employees.

I am writing to update you on the encampment established on our campus.

Despite very considerable effort last week, which I was hopeful would lead to resolution, it did not ultimately prove possible to reach an agreement to end the encampment.

As I indicated in my last message, we support the right of UCD students and staff to engage in peaceful protest. Apart from certain unacceptable actions that we highlighted to those in the encampment, the protests last week were largely peaceful.

On my arrival this morning, I was very disturbed to see widespread defacement of our campus, including messages of hatred and violence that are entirely unacceptable.

I refer again to my email of last week reinforcing our commitment to dignity, respect and inclusion in our university and pointing to supports for those particularly affected at this time.

I continue to hope that we can shortly find a resolution to the current situation on our campus. However, in University College Dublin academic freedom within the law is non-negotiable.

Le gach dea-ghuí,

Orla

Professor Orla Feely
President