Students at Queen's University Belfast vote online from Tuesday to Thursday 19 March on proposals for an Irish language policy. The ballot asks if Irish should gain equal status with English as an official university language. It also seeks support for a bilingual corporate identity, including the university name, logo, and signage across campus.

The students' union organises the all-student referendum. Proposals include improved services for Irish speakers, such as forms, administration, and graduation certificates in Irish. Bilingual signage existed at the students' union until 1997, when Irish signs were removed following opposition from some unionist students and a recommendation from the Fair Employment Commission.

Eoghan Ó Conghaile of An Cumann Gaelach stated the vote allows the entire student body to decide on returning signage after three decades. He noted bilingual signage adds to existing English signs without removing them. Ó Conghaile said a yes vote would provide a democratic mandate for the university to develop a comprehensive Irish language policy.

He mentioned St Mary's University College in Belfast uses a bilingual logo. Ó Conghaile indicated degree certificates in Irish could become available if students request them. He described Irish as an indigenous language relevant to international students on campus.

Jay Basra, chair of QUB Young Unionists, called the signage debate politicised and stressed the need for a neutral campus. Basra said the students' union must represent unionism and avoid creating a cold environment for unionists, as occurred previously.

Matthew Shanks, a 21-year-old DUP activist from south Belfast, questioned the cost of the proposals and their priority. He suggested demand for Mandarin signage might exceed Irish among students. Shanks viewed the push as divisive and linked to community divisions.

Orfhlaith Begley, West Tyrone Sinn Féin MP and QUB graduate, urged students to back bilingual signage.