**Graduate Launches Legal Action Against Bangor University Over Graduation Protest Incident**
A former Bangor University student has initiated legal proceedings against the institution following her removal from a graduation ceremony last year, alleging breaches of her rights, including freedom of expression. Aishah AlBader, the student in question and a Kuwaiti national, alleges she was subjected to assault, false imprisonment and human rights violations after she staged a peaceful protest regarding the university’s financial ties during the ceremony.
AlBader, who has engaged the London-based law firm Gold Jennings to represent her, argues that her forceful removal from the graduation stage constituted not only unnecessary physical intervention by security but also a blatant infringement on her right to protest. According to her legal representatives, the core of her claim rests on the assertion that Bangor University has investments in companies allegedly implicated in human rights abuses in Palestine. During the ceremony, AlBader notably declined to partake in the customary handshake with the Vice Chancellor, instead presenting a leaflet outlining her concerns and carrying a pillowcase bearing the message, “Bangor University invests in Genocide.”
Reflecting on her actions, AlBader stated, “My thoughts during that moment were with students in Gaza—those who have been denied the chance to graduate, who have lost their lives and futures in the ongoing conflict. I could not remain silent as Bangor University maintains investment links with entities allegedly complicit in these tragedies. Using my graduation platform, I aimed to draw attention to this injustice.”
AlBader claims that her intervention resulted in her being “dragged from the stage, injured and publicly humiliated,” with subsequent negative repercussions for her professional prospects. She contends that neither her protest nor her conduct warranted such a response from university authorities, particularly as her family had journeyed thousands of miles to witness what should have been a celebratory occasion.
Her legal representatives, Alexander Hogg and Jessica Harrison, assert that their client’s “non-disruptive” protest was met with an “excessive and disproportionate” reaction by university security. They maintain that AlBader has grounds for civil action based on assault, battery, false imprisonment, and violation of rights protected by the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), specifically those relating to personal integrity and free expression. A detailed letter of claim has been sent to Bangor University, who, at present, have not issued a substantive response due to the ongoing nature of the dispute.
In comments to the press, Hogg emphasised the broader significance of the case: “Universities must respect the right to protest and freedom of expression, even in challenging circumstances. Our client’s experience raises serious questions about institutional handling of peaceful protests, as well as the responsibility universities hold towards students expressing principled objections to controversial investments.”
This legal action emerges as student activism around investment policies gains momentum across UK universities, including at Bangor and Cardiff. Last academic year witnessed encampments and occupations established by pro-Palestinian groups, reflecting widespread student opposition to university funds allegedly linked to controversial industries.
Bangor University, for its part, has publicly stated that it maintains an “ethical and sustainable investments policy.” According to a statement published on its website, the university does not directly select specific investments but delegates this task to professional managers operating within an ethical framework, excluding investments linked to weapons, tobacco, fossil fuels and other contentious sectors. Furthermore, the university has indicated it is currently reviewing its investment approach, with discussions ongoing and representation from the university’s Students’ Union.
Despite these assurances, protests have persisted. In May 2024, a pro-Palestinian encampment was established on university property, remaining in situ for a year before eviction proceedings culminated in a court-ordered removal. At Cardiff University, similar demonstrations have led to legal interventions, including a High Court injunction designed to prevent further encampments on university property.
Bangor University has reiterated that it is unable to comment in detail on AlBader’s legal claim as proceedings are underway. However, the case continues to highlight the tensions universities face in balancing institutional interests, public order, and the rights of students to express dissent on campus. As broader debates about investment ethics and student protest intensify, the outcome of this legal challenge could set significant precedents for higher education institutions across the UK.