Thursday, September 29, 2011

Students occupy Strathclyde University in fees protest


Students have occupied Strathclyde University in Glasgow in a protest over what they see as high tuition fees.

The students entered the university's McCance Building at 11:00. They intend to stay there until an STUC organised demonstration on Saturday.

Strathclyde University said it was working to minimise disruption.

On Tuesday, the university set annual fees of £9,000 - capped at £27,000 for a four-year degree - for students from England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Students from the rest of the UK (RUK) at Scottish universities currently pay about £1,800 in tuition fees.
Protest march

The increase in tuition fees for non-Scots came after the UK government raised the cap for universities in England to £9,000 a year.

Students from the occupation said they will stay on campus until Saturday's Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) organised People First demonstration in Glasgow.
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A small number of protestors are holding a sit-in in one of the university's administration buildings”

Strathclyde University

A statement from the students said: "We are sending a clear message that for the first time in years, there is a strong, united student movement which will continue to play a role within the struggle against austerity.

"RUK fees are another clear example of universities using a climate of austerity to attack jobs, cut courses and turn universities into money making enterprises.

"This occupation, along with others, intends to demonstrate how strongly the students oppose the commodification of education."

The students are demanding "no fees for rest of UK students", to "halt all course closures and cutbacks to lecturers and staff", "no cuts to any other departments or staff" and a "living wage" for all university staff.

They also want "no introduction of three year degree programmes" but instead, fully-funded full degree courses.

The students are also demanding free access in and out of the occupation and a promise of "no reprisals for students and staff participating".

A spokesman for Strathclyde University said: "A small number of protestors are holding a sit-in in one of the university's administration buildings.

"The impact is localised and the university is working to minimise disruption."



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