Oxford University Encampment: The Revolution Is Catered

I have watched the Oxford University encampment grow since it was established last Monday outside the Pitt Rivers Museum. I realized the protesters with their 50-something tents weren’t going anywhere — either by their own volition or the university’s coercion. In the pursuit of open discourse and with the selfish motivation of soaking up a rare sunny day, I decided to mingle.

The “liberated zone” has borders: An ornate fence wrapping around part of the perimeter is decorated with cardboard signs that say things like “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” and “Jews for a free Palestine.” But the border was hardly enforced. I walked up to the welcome tent, where a tall British fellow welcomed me warmly and remarked, “You should totally join, the vibes are chill.” Previously, an online form released by the organizers had suggested that campers had to affirm “1) The right to self-determination, 2) Jersusalem [sic] as the captial [sic] of Palestine, 3) The right of colonised people to resist against occupation, and 4) The right of Palestinian refugees to return.” But I wasn’t asked to affirm anything or memorize the list of demands that includes Oxford boycotting Israeli institutions. In fact, I wasn’t even asked if I endorsed the demands.

About the Author

Abigail Anthony

Abigail Anthony is a staff writer at National Review.

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I have watched the Oxford University encampment grow since it was established last Monday outside the Pitt Rivers Museum. I realized the protesters with their 50-something tents weren’t going anywhere — either by their own volition or the university’s coercion. In the pursuit of open discourse and with the selfish motivation of soaking up a rare sunny day, I decided to mingle.

The “liberated zone” has borders: An ornate fence wrapping around part of the perimeter is decorated with cardboard signs that say things like “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” and “Jews for a free Palestine.” But the border was hardly enforced. I walked up to the welcome tent, where a tall British fellow welcomed me warmly and remarked, “You should totally join, the vibes are chill.” Previously, an online form released by the organizers had suggested that campers had to affirm “1) The right to self-determination, 2) Jersusalem [sic] as the captial [sic] of Palestine, 3) The right of colonised people to resist against occupation, and 4) The right of Palestinian refugees to return.” But I wasn’t asked to affirm anything or memorize the list of demands that includes Oxford boycotting Israeli institutions. In fact, I wasn’t even asked if I endorsed the demands.