ALBAWABA - The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) recently sparked backlash on social media after expelling a pro-Palestine student, Haya Adam, for standing up against the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023.
According to The New Arab, the leader of the Palestine Society at SOAS vowed to fight the university's expulsion of Adam last Wednesday and accused the institution of silencing student voices.
SOAS Liberated Zone wrote on Instagram, "After a year-long open ended suspension, and multiple disciplinary actions solely for speaking out for Palestine, SOAS has taken the final, most extreme step to silence student activism - a first of its kind expulsion of a student in the midst of her degree."
The group added, "Haya’s expulsion is a brutal reminder that SOAS, despite its facade, serves as a tool of empire and represses those who oppose it."
Liberated Zone also launched a petition titled "Defend Haya Against Expulsion" to protest the university's decision.
UK University expels pro-Palestine student Haya Adam
Adam states that she was suspended for allegedly violating the university’s code of conduct over harassment claims after questioning a representative about their stance on the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza.
On the contrary, Adam said in an Instagram video posted by "soasliberatedzone" that she was suspended via email for speaking out in solidarity with Gaza.
The pro-Palestine activist revealed that it all started in June 2024 after she was accused of attending an unauthorised protest, and her criticism of the representative triggered the suspension. Adam added that she was also accused of being involved in an incident regarding a Students’ Union co-president, which she denied taking part in.
At first, Adam joined SOAS in 2023 and described the university as an "anti-colonial education" institution and a platform to voice world issues. However, her image was shattered, alleging that "Behind its decolonial façade, SOAS is revealed to be a tool of empire and imperialism."
Haya Adam told The New Arab that the allegations are false, stating that she didn't meet the legal standards of harassment. Additionally, Adam said that she will challenge the university's decision by appealing to it.
