UWE Under Occupation!!
John Doe | 22.11.2010 18:24
Today at around 4pm a group of students marched on the main Frenchay campus of the University of the West of England to occupy the main building.
The occupation has taken place in protest at rising fees and cuts at the University. Spokespersons for the protest say that it is in solidarity with staff and students across the country as well as for future generations who will be squeezed by the cuts.
Today at around 4pm a group of students marched on the main Frenchay campus of the University of the West of England to occupy the main building.
The occupation has taken place in protest at rising fees and cuts at the University. Spokespersons for the protest say that it is in solidarity with staff and students across the country as well as for future generations who will be squeezed by the cuts.
Last year the University announced initial cuts and restructuring that have, in the most recent turn of events, resulted in the elimination of 80 senior research and middle management posts.
The students publicity announces their opposition to the changes affecting UWE, opposition to the announced tripling of tuition fees and against more general cuts across the sector.
“Steve”, spokesperson for the occupiers, and student at the University, says ‘we’ve occupied the heart of the University, so far with great success. We’ve got a whole range of events planned for tonight, including a sound system. Turnout has been really good which will give a strong message to the University and the government that we will oppose their attacks at every turn in every school, college’
A range of activities has been announced for the next week including a lobby of the Board of Governors on Tuesday to protest specific cuts at UWE building up to the national walkout on Wednesday.
“Anthony”, a third year student at UWE says, ‘the fact we have to pay for education at all is a sin, its absurd that we have to fight to keep the situation from getting any worse’.
The concern expressed by the students extended beyond their own immediate interests and have extended to broader issues of social welfare and opportunity.
“Paul”, a third year studying social sciences the cuts and fees ‘will stop people like me, from my sort of background from going into higher education, harms social mobility and increases social inequality’
The occupation is ongoing and updates will be added.
The occupation has taken place in protest at rising fees and cuts at the University. Spokespersons for the protest say that it is in solidarity with staff and students across the country as well as for future generations who will be squeezed by the cuts.
Today at around 4pm a group of students marched on the main Frenchay campus of the University of the West of England to occupy the main building.
The occupation has taken place in protest at rising fees and cuts at the University. Spokespersons for the protest say that it is in solidarity with staff and students across the country as well as for future generations who will be squeezed by the cuts.
Last year the University announced initial cuts and restructuring that have, in the most recent turn of events, resulted in the elimination of 80 senior research and middle management posts.
The students publicity announces their opposition to the changes affecting UWE, opposition to the announced tripling of tuition fees and against more general cuts across the sector.
“Steve”, spokesperson for the occupiers, and student at the University, says ‘we’ve occupied the heart of the University, so far with great success. We’ve got a whole range of events planned for tonight, including a sound system. Turnout has been really good which will give a strong message to the University and the government that we will oppose their attacks at every turn in every school, college’
A range of activities has been announced for the next week including a lobby of the Board of Governors on Tuesday to protest specific cuts at UWE building up to the national walkout on Wednesday.
“Anthony”, a third year student at UWE says, ‘the fact we have to pay for education at all is a sin, its absurd that we have to fight to keep the situation from getting any worse’.
The concern expressed by the students extended beyond their own immediate interests and have extended to broader issues of social welfare and opportunity.
“Paul”, a third year studying social sciences the cuts and fees ‘will stop people like me, from my sort of background from going into higher education, harms social mobility and increases social inequality’
The occupation is ongoing and updates will be added.
John Doe
Original article on IMC Bristol:
http://bristol.indymedia.org/article/700954