Hundreds of students from across the country came to Sussex University to show solidarity with the UCU industrial action and call for Vice-Chancellor Adam Tickell to do more as lead negotiator for Universities UK.
Protestors set off smoke bombs, climbed onto the roof of Pevensey building and marched across campus chanting and showing their support for lecturers striking against proposed pension cuts.
Students also clambered over the walls of the New East Slope residence construction site to join fellow protestors who are occupying a building at the site.
Roughly 150 students occupied the show flat at the site, issuing three demands to Adam Tickell, the University and construction company Balfour Beatty. The protestors have said they plan to stay in occupation “indefinitely” until their demands are met.
According to some reports, up to 1,000 people attended today’s demonstration, with some banners reading ‘Students Stand In Solidarity’, ‘No Capitulation’ and ‘Neoliberalism Is The Disease, Solidarity Is The Cure’.
The University was all but closed during the day, with teaching and student services suspended and the Library shutting until tomorrow morning. Students’ Union outlets also were closed until later in the afternoon, and the on-campus Co-op removed alcohol from sale whilst demonstrators marched around campus.
More to follow.
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