Report examines 26 case studies and policies at 132 universities, while King’s College London disputes Amnesty’s characterization of one student’s suspension.
Amnesty International UK has raised concerns about restrictions on pro-Palestinian expression at British universities, arguing that disciplinary measures against students and academics have undermined freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest.
The report, released on October 20, examined 26 case studies and university protest policies across 132 institutions. Its main review covered events between October 7, 2023, and September 30, 2025, with an earlier period also examined to provide context. Amnesty noted that findings from individual case studies should not automatically be generalized across the entire university sector.
According to the report, students and academics have faced suspensions, campus access restrictions and threats to their visa status in connection with activities including chanting, clapping and wearing keffiyehs. Amnesty also raised concerns about disciplinary action taken before investigations had concluded, as well as restrictions on demonstrations in university buildings and other campus spaces.
The organization said students who are visibly Muslim and people displaying Palestinian symbols had been disproportionately affected. It argued that some restrictions documented in its research did not meet the legal standards required to limit political expression and peaceful assembly. The report also examined the influence of government pressure, regulatory guidance, advocacy groups and legal strategies on university responses to campus protests.
The report also discussed a court order sought by the University of Cambridge in March 2025 concerning protests at specified campus locations. The university said its action was intended to protect graduation ceremonies and staff work. The dispute raised broader questions about balancing campus operations with students’ rights to demonstrate.
Amnesty highlighted the case of Usama Ghanem, a 22-year-old student who was suspended by King’s College London in 2025. Amnesty characterized the suspension as related to his involvement in pro-Palestinian activism. The organization said the suspension was lifted following a review in September 2026.
King’s College London disputes that characterization. In a response to EconoTimes, the university said Ghanem was suspended following behaviour that included causing harm to others and suppressing other people’s freedom of expression. The university said it does not discipline students for lawful affiliations, pro-Palestinian views, lawful protests or the exercise of freedom of expression, and described any suggestion to the contrary as inaccurate.
The differing accounts underscore the importance of distinguishing between Amnesty’s assessment of campus restrictions and the university’s stated reasons for its disciplinary decision.
Kerry Moscogiuri, chief executive of Amnesty International UK, said the findings raised concerns about freedom of speech and the right to protest. Amnesty is urging universities to adopt its Defend Dissent Charter, which calls for stronger protections for students and academics who organize, demonstrate and express political views on campus.
