Glasgow Uni students claim victory in cuts battle after six-month occupation

Aug 18 2011 By Joe McGuire

Glasgow Uni protests

STUDENTS fighting cuts at Glasgow University are preparing to end their six-month sit-in at the old postgraduate club.

The Hetherington building has been the battleground for protests over “swingeing cuts” to staff  and courses.

But the students claimed victory this week, saying they had forced Principal Anton Muscatelli to reconsider plans to cut courses and sack staff.

And they have agreed to end their six-month sit-in at 13 University Gardens so bosses can convert the building into lecture space. They will leave this month, on a date to be decided.

One of the protesters, philosophy postgraduate student James Humphries, said: "Six months after management refused to engage with us, we’ve finally won these demands. Peaceful direct action and direct democracy work – we’ve proved that and management have accepted it, which in itself is a huge achievement.”

As part of the deal, the students will have a chance to quiz Muscatelli at an open meeting in October.

He says he is looking forward to the meeting and has promised no compulsory redundancies in the subjects facing cuts.

But the protesters have vowed to carry on their fight.

History of Art student Laura Jones said: "While we’ve achieved a lot on campus this year, the fight absolutely does not end here.

"We will continue our campaign against tuition fees and ensure management keep their end of the bargain.

"We will be back."

The protest hit the headlines in March when students and MSPs slammed police for evicting students from the building.

Students accused the cops of “heavy-handed” tactics. And the protesters marched on the university’s main building and occupied the Senate Rooms until they were allowed to the
Hetherington.

A university spokesman said: "We are pleased the students have decided to bring the occupation to a peaceful conclusion. This will allow the university to redevelop the  space for academic use.

"The University has always respected the right of students to peaceful protest. We recognise the depth of feeling about recent cost reductions."