King's College London Faces Criticism Over Disciplinary Action Against Pro-Palestine Students

King's College London (KCL) is facing growing criticism after an investigation revealed that dozens of students involved in pro-Palestine activism were subjected to disciplinary action over the past two years.

According to a joint investigation by Al Jazeera and Liberty Investigates, at least 26 students at KCL were investigated between October 2023 and November 2025 for activities linked to pro-Palestine protests, the highest number reported among British universities.

One student, identified as Khadija to protect her identity, said she was investigated after discussing a lecturer's previous service in the Israeli military in a student WhatsApp group. She was later barred from attending the lecturer's classes, instructed to write a 2,000-word reflective essay, and considered for referral to the UK's Prevent counterterrorism programme, although no referral was eventually made.

Several other students also received formal warnings for participating in campus protest encampments, disrupting university events, or displaying pro-Palestine banners. Some claimed the disciplinary process discouraged them from taking part in future activism.

The university denied targeting students because of their political views, stating that disciplinary action is only taken when behaviour threatens the safety or rights of others. KCL said it supports lawful protests and welcomes diverse political opinions on campus.

However, student leaders and human rights advocates accused the university of using disciplinary measures to discourage peaceful demonstrations. They also criticised KCL's links with defence companies and questioned whether those partnerships influenced its response to pro-Palestine protests.

The investigation found that more than 40 universities across the United Kingdom have launched disciplinary investigations into students and staff over pro-Gaza activism since the start of the Israel-Gaza war, with King's College London recording the highest number of cases.

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