The University of Leeds ball was removed because of the pro-Palestine protest camp

A college summer prom was canceled because of a pro-Palestinian camp.

Leeds University Union (LUU) said the event could not take place because the protest was taking up space they would need for some elements of the event and they also wanted to respect people’s right to protest.

One protester said the situation could have been avoided if the university had engaged in “meaningful discussion” with them.

The University of Leeds said it “shares the students’ union’s disappointment” that the ball could not go ahead.

Instead of prom, LUU has organized a low-key summer party to be held on Saturday.

It’s free and will be very similar to the ball, just without the extras, LUU said.

The camp, which comprises about 50 tents, has been outside the student union building since May 1.

The protesters said they wanted the University of Leeds to end its partnership with Israeli universities and end links with arms manufacturers.

One protester, Benji, a 21-year-old history student at the university, said he welcomed students who could celebrate.

However, he said the university had put the demands of the camp and the pleasure of the students “in conflict with each other”.

He also said that the summer party was a “compromise”.

Benji added: “The solution would have been for the university to engage in meaningful discussions with us.

“Many students here support us, so it’s a shame the university is trying to pit us against each other instead of listening to the interests of students and staff.”

Ella Williams, LUU activities and opportunities officer, said it was not “logistically possible” to have parts of the ball outside.

“The last thing we wanted was to put nothing out there, so this was a massive decision with a lot of input from a lot of people to make sure we do what’s right for everyone.”

She also said the union has reimbursed all 4,000 ticket holders who will have priority access to the discounted event.

Any additional spaces will be allocated to other students.

Ms Williams said refunding tickets and paying cancellation fees for various elements of the ball had “big financial implications” for the LUU.

Another student, Callum Anderson, 21, said he didn’t mind the change “as long as the vibe is the same and everyone dresses up”.

The computer science student added: “It’s not a big concern for me where he is.”

The summer bash will include a silent disco, roller skating, drag racing and “lots of music and dancing.”

A University of Leeds spokesperson added: “We are delighted that our final year students will still be able to celebrate their achievements at Leeds with their friends on Saturday at a free summer party which will include almost all the events planned for Prom”.