Hundreds of people around the world are signing a petition in support of the Cambridge occupation of the Old Schools in protest against fees and cuts (including Noam Chomsky). Please add your name!
There is a separate statement of support from Cambridge academics.
We, the undersigned, are members of the international community who support the efforts of Cambridge Defend Education to oppose cuts to British higher education.
We support the occupation of the Old Schools Senior Combination Room by students.
We urge the University to treat these peaceful protesters in a respectful manner, not to forcibly evict the students from the Senior Combination Room, to protect the rights of these students, and to hold negotiations with the students.
We support the following statement and demands made by the students:
We, the Cambridge occupation, following a collective and democratic process, make these demands of University of Cambridge management:
1. That the University completely oppose the increase in fees, fight against it and fight against all cuts to education, and use its influence to oppose the spending review’s threat to education, welfare, health, and other public services.
2. That the University use its influence to fight for free education for all.
3. That the University acknowledge and take steps to combat the systemic inequality of access to this elitist institution and the danger of its intensification posed by the scrapping of EMA, a rise in tuition fees and removal of programs such as Aim Higher.
4. That the University declare it will never privatise.
5. That the University commit to ensure the autonomy of education from corporate interests.
6. That the University recognise UCU (University & College Union). We urge post-graduates, academics and all university staff to unionise.
7. That the University ensure that no students who take part in any form of peaceful protest will face disciplinary action.
8. That the University urge Gonville and Caius College to open their library, and allow Caius Students full access. (mission accomplished)
Education and knowledge should be readily accessible to all with no bias towards class or privilege. It increases social mobility and an educated society benefits everyone. Good luck, and full support from a recent graduate.
In solidarity from Cambridge University Press Unite the Union (Publishing).
As a participant in the Old Schools sit-in in 1972 I am delighted to offer my support to today’s generation of students. Good for you.
As someone who went to a comprehensive school but graduated from Cambridge University and then went on to become a university lecturer myself, I benefited from the possibilities of a socially mobile society. I offer my support to the students who are protesting about the cuts in higher education funding.