University of Galway Students Protest Institution’s Contract with Coca-Cola

Demonstrators gathered at University of Galway’s main entrance this week to protest the institution’s exclusive contract with Coca-Cola.

Organised by the Students’ Union and the Palestinian Solidarity Society (PSS), the two-day protest called for a release from the current beverages contract; student representation on a tendering board for drinks sold on campus and a stronger commitment to human rights in tendering processes.

In a statement Students’ Union President Seán de Búrca described Coca-Cola’s business practices as “incompatible with fundamental human rights”. “That alone should make them incompatible with this campus,” he said. 

The statement highlighted the International Court of Justice  2024 ruling that Israel’s occupation of Gaza and the West Bank is illegal. The company has a presence in Palestine since 1998, and a bottling operation in Gaza. 

The Students’ Union also noted its 12-year support of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) Movement – a Palestinian-led movement promoting boycotts, divestments and economic sanctions against Israel. Coca-Cola is one of the main focuses of the movement.

The Palestine Solidarity Society’s Auditor, Oisín Ó Ceallaigh, said: “We feel that it’s unfair that students can’t choose to opt out of buying into Coke. Practically, what I think can be won today is a withdrawal from the Coke contract and a promise to stick by human rights obligations, have Students’ Union oversight on the tendering process.”

The University of Galway declined to comment when asked for a statement on the issue. .