Around 50 students disrupted a graduation ceremony at the University of Edinburgh on Saturday, protesting the institution’s links to companies associated with Israel. The demonstration occurred during the social and political science graduation event held at the university’s McEwan Hall in Edinburgh, where graduates and their families had gathered to celebrate.

The protesters, many dressed in academic gowns, interrupted the ceremony with chants before exiting the hall carrying flags and banners. Their actions targeted the university’s vice-chancellor, Sir Peter Mathieson, who has faced criticism from left-wing student groups over his stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. The backlash intensified after Sir Peter met with Israel’s deputy ambassador to the UK in August 2024 and amid concerns about the university’s endowment investments in multinational companies identified in a United Nations report as having ties to the Israeli military.

In addition to criticisms related to foreign policy issues, Sir Peter has been subject to discontent over his management of £140 million in budget cuts at the university, further fueling tensions within the campus community.

The protest drew varied reactions. Oli Anselm, outgoing president of the University of Edinburgh’s Jewish Society, described the walkout and similar demonstrations as contributing to a “toxic culture” for Jewish students. She called on the university to take stronger measures to regulate the protests, which have increased since the escalation of conflict in Gaza.

Some parents attending the ceremony voiced support for the demonstration, applauding the actions of the protesting students. However, others expressed disapproval or discomfort. Nicole Lampert, a journalist and campaigner who spoke to a parent present at the ceremony, reported that the parent felt singled out and alienated during the event. The parent described the experience as “incandescent” and lamented that it had marred their child’s graduation, a significant milestone.

The university has faced similar controversies earlier this year. In April, a campus room was used to host a pro-Palestinian speaker who made contentious remarks equating Zionists with Nazis, prompting further debate over free speech and campus conduct.

A spokesperson for the University of Edinburgh was contacted for comment regarding Saturday’s disruption but had not responded by the time of publication.