DUP body at Queen's University slams Hillary Clinton protests that left police injured and several students arrested - fears over "divisive atmosphere" on Belfast campus

A committee in charge of the university’s Democratic Unionist Association (DUA) spoke out against “an increasingly divisive atmosphere on campus”, raising fears about student safety and the intimidation of staff in the wake of last week’s trouble.

The association worries that only the angriest and loudest voices are being heard right now, leading to fears that political disagreements in what should be a free discussion forum will end up in reputations being ruined or even violent physical attacks.

The student body has also written to the university’s senior management highlighting their concerns, while Queen’s management say they’ve scheduled a meeting with the association to talk over the issue.

Affirming their support of people’s right to protest, the DUA branded last week’s scenes “unflattering and unrepresentative of the wider student body” at Queen’s.

“Many are concerned about the demonstration descending into violence,” stated the association, adding they were also worried by “chanting directed against police, university staff and political leaders”.

The situation is causing, they said, “the creation of an atmosphere where the angriest, loudest voices are treated as the most valid".

States the student body: “Sadly, this is not the vision of an open, inclusive environment for public discourse that we believe QUB could and should be.

“We want to underline our commitment to ensuring Queen’s is an open forum discussion between students of different political perspectives and persuasions, while maintaining the safety of students and staff in going about their day to day studies and work without the fear of reputational of physical harm coming their way for holding a different viewpoint.”

A spokeswoman for the university said management is to meet with the DUA over their concerns, while reinforcing QUB supports the right to protest “provided it is done within a peaceful manner”.

“We understand that the events of the last week have been divisive and appreciate that such incidents can be unsettling for everyone involved, but they are a rare occurrence at the university,” she added.

“We urge all staff and students to express any concerns directly to the university to enable engagement in meaningful discussions for a safe and progressive environment across the university community.”

Last Thursday evening, a demonstration against QUB chancellor Hillary Clinton’s visit spilled over into violence, when protesters tried to force their way onto the front lawn of the university with a large Palestinian flag.

Several police officers were injured, though student activist groups have since tried to claim the PSNI were aggressive and heavy-handed.

The demonstration saw around 400 people object to Mrs Clinton’s visit because, in their view, the former senator has been supportive of current US government policy on Israel's conduct in Gaza.

Four were arrested, with an eyewitness stating there was significant physical pushing between protesters and a sizable police presence as the quartet were taken away.

Another demonstration was held outside Belfast’s Musgrave Street police station on Thursday night, which organisers said was to show solidarity with the arrested protesters.

Friday night saw a march from City Hall to the Queen’s University campus, while activist groups have also pledged to protest outside court hearings for three student-aged people charged with resisting police as a result of last Thursday’s fracas.