11.03.2010

University fightback

Keith Gray reports staff and student opposed to budget cuts at the University of Sussex

Demonstrations have continued this week at the University of Sussex in opposition to huge proposed budget cuts and the loss of 115 jobs.

On Wednesday March 3 there was a demonstration on campus in solidarity with the University and College Union following the UCU decision to strike. In a turnout of over 80%, 76% of staff voted in favour of strike action, and 82% in favour of action short of a strike. This demonstration was also part of the national day of student action, which saw protests at universities around the country.

The management building, Sussex House, was stormed by around 80 students, who then occupied the corridor of the vice-chancellor’s executive group. Almost immediately at least eight riot police vans and 10 police cars appeared on campus, although the police, complete with body armour, pepper spray and dogs, were unable to enter the occupied areas barricaded from the inside.

Several hours after the building was occupied, there was a demonstration outside thanks to the word being spread by email and social network groups. Around 200 students turned up to voice their support. A line was formed by the riot police around the fire escape as more students attempted to join the occupation. They were attacked by the armoured riot police with fists, batons and dogs, and several were pulled aside and handcuffed. Two were arrested and removed from the area. The police had been called by vice-chancellor Michael Farthing, who watched as his students were attacked by riot police.

At around 5.30pm the students emerged from the building of their own accord, and were greeted noisily by the waiting crowd. Several speeches were made and a collection was taken for the strike fund.

University management have responded by indefinitely suspending a number of students involved in the Stop the Cuts campaign. No reasons have been given and the normal disciplinary procedure has not been observed. The vice-chancellor has not presented evidence of any offence, and given the students no opportunity to defend themselves. Computer accounts have been terminated and the students are banned from the campus. Management has since obtained a high court injunction against further occupations, granted on the basis of fictitious claims that hostages were taken during the March 3 action.

Management hoped to decapitate the movement by removing the ‘ringleaders’ and outlawing one of the tactics that has been used so effectively. It has had quite the opposite effect, with hundreds of students organising in response to these moves, and further demonstrations planned.

Sussex students are demanding the university immediately reinstate all those suspended, follow due process before issuing sanctions and condemn the police response to the protest. The immediate resignation of Farthing is also being demanded.

The UCU strike will take place on March 18 with the overwhelming support of the student body.