(Cambridge) Statement on the behaviour of the university authorities
Cambridge Gaza Solidarity occupation (repost by manos) | 29.01.2009 01:07 | University Occupations for Gaza | Education | Palestine | Repression | Cambridge
This is the statement issued by the general assembly of the Cambridge law school occupation about their imminent threat of eviction.
Over the course of the evening our discussions have been repeatedly and deliberately disrupted in order to sabotage the ongoing negotiations process. We had felt that talks were moving forward but obviously the university thought differently.
A group from the occupation left the building at 7 o’clock to go to a CUSU meeting which was due to discuss support for our protest. Immediately after they departed, the Registrary sent a letter informing us that no one who had left would be able to re-enter the building and threatening legal action against us. This included an ultimatum to leave the building within half an hour. Shorty after 9pm, the Proctors arrived to take our names (again) and took photos of us. While complying with their requests we found them throwing away the food that our catering group had prepared.
We members of the Cambridge Gaza Solidarity Occupation condemn unreservedly the disgraceful and intimidating behaviour displayed by the university authorities. This is a wholly unacceptable way for an institute of education to behave towards its own members engaged in a peaceful protest.
Throughout our occupation, the authorities have treated us with contempt and disrespect, despite our friendly working relationship with many security staff and our general goodwill.
A university which engages in intimidation without genuine dialogue is not worthy of the name. Cambridge University claims to be stand for values of freedom of expression, and these worrying actions prove this claim false and set a dangerous precedent for future student activists. We must fight against this trend of intimidation, and urge messages of protest to be sent to
v-c@admin.cam.ac.uk.
A group from the occupation left the building at 7 o’clock to go to a CUSU meeting which was due to discuss support for our protest. Immediately after they departed, the Registrary sent a letter informing us that no one who had left would be able to re-enter the building and threatening legal action against us. This included an ultimatum to leave the building within half an hour. Shorty after 9pm, the Proctors arrived to take our names (again) and took photos of us. While complying with their requests we found them throwing away the food that our catering group had prepared.
We members of the Cambridge Gaza Solidarity Occupation condemn unreservedly the disgraceful and intimidating behaviour displayed by the university authorities. This is a wholly unacceptable way for an institute of education to behave towards its own members engaged in a peaceful protest.
Throughout our occupation, the authorities have treated us with contempt and disrespect, despite our friendly working relationship with many security staff and our general goodwill.
A university which engages in intimidation without genuine dialogue is not worthy of the name. Cambridge University claims to be stand for values of freedom of expression, and these worrying actions prove this claim false and set a dangerous precedent for future student activists. We must fight against this trend of intimidation, and urge messages of protest to be sent to
v-c@admin.cam.ac.uk.
Cambridge Gaza Solidarity occupation (repost by manos)
e-mail:
cambridgeoccupation@live.com
Homepage:
http://cambridgegazasolidarityblogspot.com
Additions
Cambridge Universities Hostility to Gaza Solidarity
29.01.2009 11:06
Dear Vice-Chancellor,
I am writing to protest at Cambridge Universities reported hostility to Gaza Solidarity. This is in shameful contrast to the "commitment to the principles of peace, justice and the rule of international law" expressed by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Bradford.
Is it true that:
1. Discussions have been repeatedly and deliberately disrupted in order to sabotage the ongoing negotiations process.
2. A group from the occupation left the building at 7 o’clock to go to a CUSU meeting which was due to discuss support for our protest. Immediately after they departed, the Registrary sent a letter informing Gaza Solidarity that no one who had left would be able to re-enter the building and threatening legal action. This included an ultimatum to leave the building within half an hour. Shorty after 9pm, the Proctors arrived to take names (again) and took photos. While complying with their requests Gaza Solidarity found them throwing away their food.
2. Throughout the occupation, the authorities have treated Gaza Solidarity with contempt and disrespect, despite their friendly working relationship with many security staff and our general goodwill.
The students demands are:
1. We demand that Cambridge University issue a statement which condemns: Israel’s action in Gaza; the Israeli blockade of Gaza; and the continued Israeli presence in Gaza and the West Bank. This statement is to be issued in solidarity with international peace movements, in particular those in Israel and Palestine.
2. We demand that Cambridge University provide academic aid, particularly books, computers and financial support to universities in Gaza.
3. We demand that Cambridge University commit to a day of fundraising for humanitarian aid in Gaza within the next two weeks, as part of an ongoing commitment to financial support for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
4. We demand that Cambridge University grant a minimum of ten scholarships to Palestinian students every year.
5. We demand that Cambridge University and its colleges disinvest from the arms trade in cooperation with the existing Cambridge (and colleges) Against the Arms Trade movement.
6. We demand that no student will face punishment or repercussions, legal or otherwise, for participating in this demonstration.
Are the university authorities hostile to these reasonable demands?
Sincerely,
I am writing to protest at Cambridge Universities reported hostility to Gaza Solidarity. This is in shameful contrast to the "commitment to the principles of peace, justice and the rule of international law" expressed by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Bradford.
Is it true that:
1. Discussions have been repeatedly and deliberately disrupted in order to sabotage the ongoing negotiations process.
2. A group from the occupation left the building at 7 o’clock to go to a CUSU meeting which was due to discuss support for our protest. Immediately after they departed, the Registrary sent a letter informing Gaza Solidarity that no one who had left would be able to re-enter the building and threatening legal action. This included an ultimatum to leave the building within half an hour. Shorty after 9pm, the Proctors arrived to take names (again) and took photos. While complying with their requests Gaza Solidarity found them throwing away their food.
2. Throughout the occupation, the authorities have treated Gaza Solidarity with contempt and disrespect, despite their friendly working relationship with many security staff and our general goodwill.
The students demands are:
1. We demand that Cambridge University issue a statement which condemns: Israel’s action in Gaza; the Israeli blockade of Gaza; and the continued Israeli presence in Gaza and the West Bank. This statement is to be issued in solidarity with international peace movements, in particular those in Israel and Palestine.
2. We demand that Cambridge University provide academic aid, particularly books, computers and financial support to universities in Gaza.
3. We demand that Cambridge University commit to a day of fundraising for humanitarian aid in Gaza within the next two weeks, as part of an ongoing commitment to financial support for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
4. We demand that Cambridge University grant a minimum of ten scholarships to Palestinian students every year.
5. We demand that Cambridge University and its colleges disinvest from the arms trade in cooperation with the existing Cambridge (and colleges) Against the Arms Trade movement.
6. We demand that no student will face punishment or repercussions, legal or otherwise, for participating in this demonstration.
Are the university authorities hostile to these reasonable demands?
Sincerely,
Gaza Solidarity
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