End The Open University's support of BAE manufacturers
End The Open University's support of BAE manufacturers
Recent signers:
Lucy whitehead and 19 others have signed recently.
The Issue
The Open University (OU) has long been a beacon of knowledge and opportunity, offering education to individuals from diverse backgrounds and promoting values of equality and empathy. But when I learned of their support for BAE Systems—an aerospace and defense company whose weapons have been reportedly used in the devastating situation in Gaza—my faith in this institution waned. The OU's endorsement of such companies contradicts its own mission of progress and knowledge-sharing; this is not just about education, it is a matter of principle.
BAE Systems plays a significant role in producing military hardware, some of which is allegedly used in regions like Gaza, contributing to human suffering and destruction. While the arms manufacturers gain profits, innocent families in Palestine face unimaginable hardships. Supporting, or even indirectly endorsing such industries, undermines the OU’s ethos of fostering better futures for all. It appears clear that their collaboration with such entities stems from motives of power and profit.
Palestine deserves freedom, justice, and peace—not the devastation brought on by warfare facilitated by weaponry from these defense industries. Educational institutions like the Open University should stand as symbols of neutrality and should promote peace rather than supporting activities contradicting such ideals.
Join me in calling for The Open University to cut all ties with BAE Systems and align themselves with partners that reflect their core values—peace, equality, and the betterment of the human condition. By doing so, the OU can manifest its commitment to not just shaping intellectual minds but cultivating a world where knowledge prompts positive change and healing.
I implore The Open University to reconsider their associations and place the principles of humanity and education above financial gain. Let's urge them to take a stand for what is right and support the call for a free and peaceful Palestine.
Your signature can make all the difference. Sign this petition to demand change and ensure that educational institutions like the OU act with conscience and integrity.
BAE Systems plays a significant role in producing military hardware, some of which is allegedly used in regions like Gaza, contributing to human suffering and destruction. While the arms manufacturers gain profits, innocent families in Palestine face unimaginable hardships. Supporting, or even indirectly endorsing such industries, undermines the OU’s ethos of fostering better futures for all. It appears clear that their collaboration with such entities stems from motives of power and profit.
Palestine deserves freedom, justice, and peace—not the devastation brought on by warfare facilitated by weaponry from these defense industries. Educational institutions like the Open University should stand as symbols of neutrality and should promote peace rather than supporting activities contradicting such ideals.
Join me in calling for The Open University to cut all ties with BAE Systems and align themselves with partners that reflect their core values—peace, equality, and the betterment of the human condition. By doing so, the OU can manifest its commitment to not just shaping intellectual minds but cultivating a world where knowledge prompts positive change and healing.
I implore The Open University to reconsider their associations and place the principles of humanity and education above financial gain. Let's urge them to take a stand for what is right and support the call for a free and peaceful Palestine.
Your signature can make all the difference. Sign this petition to demand change and ensure that educational institutions like the OU act with conscience and integrity.
Sara StacyPetition Starter
51
Recent signers:
Lucy whitehead and 19 others have signed recently.
The Issue
The Open University (OU) has long been a beacon of knowledge and opportunity, offering education to individuals from diverse backgrounds and promoting values of equality and empathy. But when I learned of their support for BAE Systems—an aerospace and defense company whose weapons have been reportedly used in the devastating situation in Gaza—my faith in this institution waned. The OU's endorsement of such companies contradicts its own mission of progress and knowledge-sharing; this is not just about education, it is a matter of principle.
BAE Systems plays a significant role in producing military hardware, some of which is allegedly used in regions like Gaza, contributing to human suffering and destruction. While the arms manufacturers gain profits, innocent families in Palestine face unimaginable hardships. Supporting, or even indirectly endorsing such industries, undermines the OU’s ethos of fostering better futures for all. It appears clear that their collaboration with such entities stems from motives of power and profit.
Palestine deserves freedom, justice, and peace—not the devastation brought on by warfare facilitated by weaponry from these defense industries. Educational institutions like the Open University should stand as symbols of neutrality and should promote peace rather than supporting activities contradicting such ideals.
Join me in calling for The Open University to cut all ties with BAE Systems and align themselves with partners that reflect their core values—peace, equality, and the betterment of the human condition. By doing so, the OU can manifest its commitment to not just shaping intellectual minds but cultivating a world where knowledge prompts positive change and healing.
I implore The Open University to reconsider their associations and place the principles of humanity and education above financial gain. Let's urge them to take a stand for what is right and support the call for a free and peaceful Palestine.
Your signature can make all the difference. Sign this petition to demand change and ensure that educational institutions like the OU act with conscience and integrity.
BAE Systems plays a significant role in producing military hardware, some of which is allegedly used in regions like Gaza, contributing to human suffering and destruction. While the arms manufacturers gain profits, innocent families in Palestine face unimaginable hardships. Supporting, or even indirectly endorsing such industries, undermines the OU’s ethos of fostering better futures for all. It appears clear that their collaboration with such entities stems from motives of power and profit.
Palestine deserves freedom, justice, and peace—not the devastation brought on by warfare facilitated by weaponry from these defense industries. Educational institutions like the Open University should stand as symbols of neutrality and should promote peace rather than supporting activities contradicting such ideals.
Join me in calling for The Open University to cut all ties with BAE Systems and align themselves with partners that reflect their core values—peace, equality, and the betterment of the human condition. By doing so, the OU can manifest its commitment to not just shaping intellectual minds but cultivating a world where knowledge prompts positive change and healing.
I implore The Open University to reconsider their associations and place the principles of humanity and education above financial gain. Let's urge them to take a stand for what is right and support the call for a free and peaceful Palestine.
Your signature can make all the difference. Sign this petition to demand change and ensure that educational institutions like the OU act with conscience and integrity.
Sara StacyPetition Starter
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51
The Decision Makers
The Open University
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Petition created on 21 January 2026