Trinity College in Dublin recently imposed a fine of 214,000 euros on the university’s students’ union for their protests against the Israeli military offensive in Gaza. The protests led to the closure of the Book of Kells exhibition, a popular tourist attraction at the university. The Irish Senate’s Civil Action Group has expressed concern over the fine, which represents 20 percent of the union’s annual budget and will impact the services they provide.
The Senate’s statement highlights the dangerous precedent set by the fine and criticizes the lack of consideration for student well-being. Despite the peaceful nature of the protests, the university claims they have caused significant economic damage due to the closure of the exhibition. Trinity College states that they have a responsibility to protect the Book of Kells, which is considered a national treasure.
Former president of the TCDSU, independent senator Lyunn Ruane, has condemned the university’s actions as intimidation and defended the students’ right to protest. The students’ union has started a camping trip in solidarity with Gaza and is calling for the severing of ties with the university.
The university has given the students’ union until the end of the month to pay the fine and has threatened individual sanctions such as exam bans, loss of accommodation, or expulsion. Despite this, the students remain determined to continue their protests and fight against the university’s actions.