It gives an impression of a mini-state gone mad with power. Actually many universities are like mini-states... but that's another story. But this should be a lesson of things to come if there is no effective revolt against ID cards and databases.
Basic principles
*Students and staff must carry ID card at all times whilst on University premises.
*Entry to the university can be denied if you are not carrying your ID card - a three strikes policy is in operation.
*The ID card remains the property of the University and must be relinquished to security staff if requested.
Discplinary Offences
*Do not allow anyone else to use your ID card. To do so is a discplinary offence and will be reported to your Head of School. Your card may be temporarily confiscated.
*ID cards must be shown on request to any University member of staff when requested. Refusal to do so is a discplinary offence.
Want to do something about ID cards and other repressive laws?
*** Join the Defy-ID grassroots campaign network ***
Two important events are listed on the Defy-ID web-site: http://www.defy-id.org.uk
- the London anarchist bookfair on Oct 21 and a national Defy-ID gathering on Nov 25.
National ID card offences - already in place
19.10.2006 15:03
*refusal to obey an order to register = £2500
*failure to submit to fingerprinting and biometric scanning = £2500
*failure to provide information demanded by the government = £2500
*failure to attend an interview at a specified place and time = £2500
*failure to notify authorities about a lost, stolen, damaged or defective card = up to 1yr in prison and/or a fine
*failure to renew a card = £1000
*failure to attend subsequent fingerprinting and biometric scanning when demanded = £1000
*failure to provide subsequent information when demanded = £1000
*failure to attend subsequent interview at specified place and time when demanded = £1000
*failure to notify authorities of any change in personal circumstances (including change of address) = £1000
*providing false information = up to 2 years and/or a fine
More and upto date info:
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2006/20060015.htm#aofs
not a number
When Freedom is Outlawed, Only Outlaws Will Be free
19.10.2006 23:35
Optimist
University facilities are being denied to the 'general public'
20.10.2006 12:14
The internet is another matter, however, with some publishers even going as far making journals etc. available for free online. This has partly come from increased competition since publishers are increasingly dependent on 'impact ratings' which increase if more people access, and therefore are likely to cite, a particular journal. One university in USA (MIT) is aiming to make all course material free as well, although this means you can only access material as an individual - i.e. not interact with other 'students'. Their 'added value' is therefore access to the teaching rather than access to learning material. The approach of British universities to deny physical access by means of ID cards negates these initiatives to a great extent.
Will social areas like students unions also become student-only with these cards?
This example indicates how the ID state of the furture could be used to deny access to physical areas you are not specifically entitled to be in - a very serious attack on freedom and one that which will contribute to further division between the haves and have nots based on money and privilege.
lib ed