Trinity College Dublin (TCD) has voted to sever ties with Israeli universities and fully divest from all companies based in Israel, following a decision by its board on Wednesday.
This action stems from recommendations made by a taskforce established as part of a deal to end the student encampment held last summer in support of Gaza.
The taskforce, led by former High Court president Mary Irvine, advised the university to completely divest from any company headquartered in Israel.
Furthermore, it recommended that Trinity refrain from entering into new supply contracts or commercial relationships with Israeli firms, and avoid establishing new mobility agreements or institutional research collaborations with Israeli universities.
Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU) President, Jenny Maguire, expressed the students’ relief that the university was “finally prepared to stand on the right side of history.”
However, she stated that it was unfortunate that student direct action was required to compel Trinity to acknowledge Israel’s actions against 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza, and that it took over a year to implement changes.
The TCDSU also voiced disappointment that Trinity had not withdrawn from ongoing projects with Israeli partners involved in military technology and training.
“This is a significant day for Trinity and for Irish-Palestinian solidarity, and reflects the resolve of student and staff campaigners,” said Dr David Landy, a member of Academia for Palestine (AfP) TCD and Assistant Professor in Trinity’s Department of Sociology.
“However, it is difficult to feel glad when Israel’s actions in Palestine continue. Trinity’s delay in acting has led to the university entering into three new research projects with Israeli partners over the past year, some of which will continue until 2029.”
“Nonetheless, every step towards rejecting the normalisation of Israel’s occupation, apartheid, and actions is to be celebrated.”
