Middlesex Students Occupy Dean’s Office
May 4, 2010 17 Comments
Students and lecturers at Middlesex University (Trent Campus), campaigning to stop the closure of the phiolosophy department, were stood up by their Dean this morning – and took matters into their own hands. Some students are staging a sit-in in the corridor outside the Dean’s office, others have locked themselves inside, demanding that the Dean turn up and face his accusers. The proposed closure of Middlesex Philosophy has provoked wide outrage and gained a significant profile in the press. The occupiers need our support: send messages of solidarity to 07799156481.
The campaign has also agreed to send a delegation to the UCU strike demo in Central London tomorrow, starting at 1pm in front of the King’s College picket lines, Strand WC2.
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Solidarity from University of California!
Solidarity with the occupiers at Trent Park. The managerial decision to close the philosophy department at Middlesex is a disturbing attack on critical thought in this country, as well as on the livelihoods and education of staff and students. Based, it appears, solely on crude financial calculations, this decision represents Middlesex management reneging completely on the values of experimental enquiry and creative learning that are at the root of any notion of a “University”. This morning’s occupation represents precisely the right response to such an attack. We support students and staff at Middlesex taking direct action to defend their place of work and education. We recognise that our struggles are one struggle and offer whatever support we’re able to give. At Sussex, the recent occupation of the Arts A2 lecture theatre led to the reinstatement of 6 students suspended on political grounds. It’s been proven that occupations, based on solidarity and coordinated militant action between students and staff, can yield victories. Good luck!
Yours,
Sussex Stop the Cuts
btw if it’s anything like here you should be careful not to allow anyone to be picked out as an ‘organiser’ or ‘leader’ – they’ll probably be picked out for punitive disciplinary measures. wear masks when you can be seen from outside – don’t allow a couple of people to take ‘point’ positions unless they’re totally clear they’re making themselves vulnerable to retribution – be ready for all sorts of manipulation.
On the other hand, maybe management learnt something since Sussex House? 4 police on campus – we had more full riot vans than that!
all best etc,
sussex.
Yes Yes! What is this he can’t sort his diary out?!!?!
UP THE SOL!!
“There’s a time when the operation of the machine becomes so odious—makes you so sick at heart—that you can’t take part. You can’t even passively take part. And you’ve got to put your bodies upon the gears and upon the wheels, upon the levers, upon all the apparatus, and you’ve got to make it stop. And you’ve got to indicate to the people who run it, to the people who own it that unless you’re free, the machine will be prevented from working at all.” – Sproul Hall Steps, December 2, 1964
Pictures from inside the current occupation at Middlesex University against the axing of Philosophy dept,
http://bit.ly/cuzReZ
solidarity from new school, a similar enclave of continental tomfoolery. philosophers throw down!
Solidarity from the University of California, Davis!
Hold Tight!
Solidarity from City University of New York!
And from Cornell, NY!
luna — I’m jane, commenter from above. am visiting Cornell for all next year; can you send me yr contact info to janesugar@gmail.com? tx
Solidarity of University of California at Santa Cruz.
Solidarity from CUNY Grad Center. Hang tight guys; it’s a long struggle.
At least one philosopher proclaimed:
“It is right to rebel”
Solidarity from Cornell University.
Solidarity from Kiev!
independent student union “Priama Dija”
I shall be travelling down from Wolverhampton University tommorrow to support Middlsex Universites Philosphy students in their protest