Hello everyone, Sindy is sharing the following message with you:

"We are sharing a call to mobilize for a support and discussion meeting next Monday at 5 pm in the Cube. Your voices and ideas are valuable, and we warmly invite you to join us to discuss important topics for our student community.

We requested a meeting with Lada to discuss these matters on Monday, 26.02, at 1 pm in the Cube. She proposed a meeting in the following weeks and asked us for a list of participants. However, we wish to address these topics as a collective group, without singling out individuals.

Following her response, we confirmed that we would be present on Monday, 26.02, at 5 pm in the Cube for a respectful, collective mobilization. We hope that many of you will join us to support this initiative. We have also reached out to other unions and associations to further strengthen this mobilization.

We want to emphasize that our approach is deeply committed to inclusivity and non-discrimination. We firmly oppose any antisemitic or discriminatory speech. Our mobilization respects the Ethics and Conduct Charter of the Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences of Geneva, which promotes equal opportunities and rejects all forms of discrimination.

Demands:

1. We call for an academic boycott and the end of partnerships with Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design and Shenkar College of Engineering and Design.
2. We ask for an appropriate statement on the Israel-Gaza conflict from HEAD director Lada Umstätter, HES-SO Rector Luciana Vaccaro, and HES-SO Geneva Director Daniela di Mare Appere.

Why take a stance on these partnerships?
The Israeli universities in question are reportedly involved in activities that contribute to the development of military systems used in conflict situations, directly impacting human rights. Our position is not meant to divide but to promote a university environment based on ethics and respect for international law.

Supporting an academic boycott sends a strong message, echoed by university associations, unions, and academics worldwide, emphasizing the importance of academic freedom for all. In Palestinian territories, this freedom is often restricted, with universities and schools affected by the conflict.

Why take a public position?
We aim to foster open debate and ethical positioning within our institution. In this spirit, we call on HEAD’s leadership to uphold a consistent and inclusive approach that promotes student engagement.

For more information, please visit our Linktree."

See you on Monday!