Lancaster University denies freedom of speech
Phil Exton | 15.05.2005 23:54 | Education | Liverpool
In September 2004 students and local residents of Lancaster organised a peaceful action against a secretly held investment convention at the university campus.
The convention included BAE systems amongst its guests, and a variety of other defence (arms) and technology groups. The university regulraly receives donation and investment from arms firms and other firms involved in serious environmental abuse. It also houses recruitments days that consist primarily of investment banks and red-handed corporations.
The action was assured as within the bounds of the law by police authorities on the scene, but in April 2005 the university pressed charges against a number of demonstrators under "aggravated trespass". The university, it seems, is furthering its policy of student alientation amidst its plunge into private investment. A clear message has been sent to students and locals alike that the university will take a zero-tolerance approach to peaceful dissent or autonomous criticism.
On April 25th 2005, students and academic staff held a short vigil in the name of free-speech at the university campus.
The convention included BAE systems amongst its guests, and a variety of other defence (arms) and technology groups. The university regulraly receives donation and investment from arms firms and other firms involved in serious environmental abuse. It also houses recruitments days that consist primarily of investment banks and red-handed corporations.
The action was assured as within the bounds of the law by police authorities on the scene, but in April 2005 the university pressed charges against a number of demonstrators under "aggravated trespass". The university, it seems, is furthering its policy of student alientation amidst its plunge into private investment. A clear message has been sent to students and locals alike that the university will take a zero-tolerance approach to peaceful dissent or autonomous criticism.
On April 25th 2005, students and academic staff held a short vigil in the name of free-speech at the university campus.
Phil Exton
e-mail:
p.exton@lancs.ac.uk
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