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Local Students Occupy University

Posted by archifCLICarchive from National - Published on 25/11/2010 at 15:47
0 comments » - Tagged as Education, People, Topical, Work & Training

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Yn Gymraeg

Cardiff University students are currently staging a sit-in at the Shandon Lecture theatre, opposite the Student’s Union on Park Place.  Students and staff from UWIC, University of Glamorgan, and three colleges have also taken part in today’s action at Cardiff, according to the official Cardiff Occupation blog.


The students have been occupying the lecture theatre since yesterday and are utilising social media such as Twitter in order to promote their stance, and to convey their information regarding the sit-in, as they see fit, to the public.


The blog provides an interesting insight into the protestors views, including a list of their demands and a damning list of the means of opposition Cardiff University are employing against them.


They claim that the University is halting easy access of food and water for the protesters, access to the University internet network, access for those wishing to join the sit-in, and access to the toilets.


Blockade


It is the latter blockade that has been most effective tool for the opposition, Cardiff University, with the protest numbers dwindling due to this unfortunate logistical problem; protesters are not being allowed re-entry to the lecture theatre after leaving to use toilet facilities.  Protesters have addressed this issue by fighting to gain access with reports from Twitter celebrating this minor, yet incredibly crucial triumph as this article is being written.  Cardiff Students Ethical and Environment officer Sam Coates tweets: ‘remaining students now being allowed access to the toilets, no one else allowed in’.


Food and water are being hoisted by rope through a window (pictured) by supporters outside, who are also initiating the backing of onlookers and passer’s by.


TheSprout spoke to one supporter garnering signatures, UWIC Journalism and Creative Writing student Ben Liddle.  He stated, ‘this is a united effort, we are a non-political bunch of students who think it is not acceptable to raise feeswe will not be marginalised.’


Student's Union


The protesters are also stating that University representatives are refusing to negotiate, choosing to speak only with the Students’ Union.


Guardian Cardiff’s Hannah Waldram has been reporting on the protest and has obtained this statement from the Student’s Union:


"The Students' Union does not support any rise in tuition fees or any cuts to Higher Education and therefore supported yesterday's action in as far as agreeing with its key message.


"However, the occupation is currently coinciding with students' lectures that they are unable to attend because of the continuing action.


"As this is not action that has been agreed by students either through Student Council or a general meeting, then the union cannot support the disruption of other students’ lectures. We therefore urge those involved in the occupation to leave and work with the Union for a solution."


Protesters are retaliating to this message, urging lecturers to continue teaching around the sit-in.  They maintain that they fully support any ‘teach-in’’ that lecturers wish to stage.


Issues


The list of negotiations the protestors wish to discuss can be found here.  They include:

  • For Cardiff University to issue a public statement opposing any rise in fees

  • Full disclosure of university finances

  • Meaningful student and staff participation in budgetary and financial decisions.


With personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes being winched through windows to the students, it looks like they are determined to remain in occupation of the room for the foreseeable future.


More on this story as it develops.

If you have any views or information regarding this story, please comment below!  What do you think of the proposed increase in tuition fees?  Would they stop you from attending University?  Tell us!


Image: Loren

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