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subtext Occupation Newsflash 3 December 2014 ***************************************************** 'Truth: lies open to all' ***************************************************** All editorial correspondence to: subtext-editors@lancaster.ac.uk ***************************************************** As we write (2:45pm on Wednesday), a group of Lancaster University students are occupying part of C Floor in University House. Many banners supporting free education, and opposing increases to postgraduate fees and accommodation charges, are hanging from the windows. A group of supporters are presently in Alexandra Square chanting support. The event follows an advertised protest in Alexandra Square at 11:30am this morning. Students were called on to leave their lectures and show support for the protest. Reportedly, a few students managed to gain access to the Admissions part of C Floor University House, where they were challenged by staff and security. In the middle of a speech, a cry of “OCCUPY!” came from the door close to the library, following which a large number of students streamed in. Occupiers were apparently considerate to Admissions staff, allowing them time to collect their things and leave, and there is no evidence that any damage has been done. The occupiers are complaining loudly from the windows that Security are denying them access to toilet facilities. The Students’ Union have issued a statement of support, which can be found here: http://lusu.co.uk/7454/university-house-under-occupation/ The occupation comes in the context of a lack of meaningful consultation with students or staff before the changes to fees and rents were implemented. The subtext collective urges staff to carefully consider the implications of fee increases on their Postgraduate and International intakes. The protest continues (at the time of writing) – subtext hopes to comment further in its week 10 issue. ********* Meanwhile, the LUSU President Laura Clayson has been quoted in The Guardian and appeared on Russia Today speaking out against the chilling effects of censorship in the context of legislation ostensibly designed to curb radicalisation on campus, after police visited her office and made what she considered intimidating remarks: http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/dec/02/anti-terror-bill-making-radical-ideas-crime-campus ***************************************************** The editorial collective of subtext currently consists (in alphabetical order) of: George Green, James Groves, Ian Paylor, Ronnie Rowlands, Joe Thornberry, Johnny Unger and Martin Widden.
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