tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526331518095356732023-11-05T08:57:24.206+00:00Sheffield Uni Occupation In Solidarity with GazaThe news blog of the Sheffield University Occupation in Solidarity with the People of Palestine.
Messages of Support can be publicly posted as comments or emailed to ##### sheffieldoccupation{at]googlemail.comSheffield Occupationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936784561231083861noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452633151809535673.post-47765426553018843142009-03-26T21:48:00.000+00:002009-03-26T21:49:20.949+00:00The decision to end the occupationThe occupation of the exhibition space of the new Jessop building ended when the occupiers came out to a lively rally in support of the people of Gaza and the student occupation. The decision to end the occupation was taken by the occupiers collectively after talks started between the university and various student groups such as Palestine society of which many members have been a part of the occupation.<br /><br />These talks revealed that movement will be made on some of the demands. The University has offered to support the transportation costs of charitable donations to Gaza. It has also issued a statement concerning the recent conflict in Gaza that can be found here: http://www.shef.ac.uk/mediacentre/gaza.html The University further promised to review their scholarship programme, consider an academic partnership with the Islamic University of Gaza and publicise the DEC appeal in some format. Details of these commitments are unclear and in light of this the occupiers have agreed that if the University goes back on the commitments it has made or does not adequately pursue them more action will be taken.Sheffield Occupationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936784561231083861noreply@blogger.com69tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452633151809535673.post-5557823142264085162009-03-25T14:17:00.001+00:002009-03-25T14:17:59.881+00:00This Mornings 'Roundtable' DiscussionsToday a group of students representing the Islamic circle, Palestine Society and the Black Students Committee meet with pro-vice chancellor Paul White in the student’s union. The meeting was held after students from Sheffield University have occupied university buildings for more than a week. The fact that the Occupiers were not represented is very unfortunate, and furthermore, undermines the strength of the movement for an acceptable university policy on Palestine. It is clear that these talks would not have taken place were it not for the occupation, given that the university ignored our previous requests for a meeting and that demands have not been met at any university where an occupation has not taken place.<br /><br />The fact that the occupation was not represented also meant that demands could not be discussed in the context of an ongoing occupation, and that the bargaining chip was effectively taken off the table. The so called “roundtable discussions” were an opportunity for the university to show itself in a good light, seemingly willing to discuss issues that they blankly ignored a week ago.<br /><br />The pro vice chancellor did, on behalf of the university promise to bring the concerns raised in the discussion back to the Vice chancellor and open up for talks on several of the demands. He promised to make the case to the VC that the university should align itself with the already existing Union policy on Palestine, and state that the university deplores any aggression against educational institutions. The issue of scholarships will also be raised together with the possibility of the university funding the transport cost of sending equipment such as old books and computer to the occupied territories.<br />The University is currently entering into a program of corporate social responsibility, and the group responsible for this is having their first meeting tomorrow. Paul White stated that he would try to get the issue of the university twinning with the Islamic University of Gaza on the Agenda.<br /><br />Due to pro-vice chancellor White’s lack of knowledge around the issue of the arms trade this particular demand could not be addressed properly. However he was notified of the fact that the groups in the meeting could not accept his grounds for not making political statements, when taking the decision to work with arms companies is of a highly political nature.<br /><br />The Occupiers would like to make it clear that we welcome the commitments to address the issues we have raised. However, if the promises made are empty more direct action will be taken.Sheffield Occupationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936784561231083861noreply@blogger.com113tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452633151809535673.post-29810697546739657502009-03-25T12:45:00.003+00:002009-03-25T13:08:50.243+00:00The University continues to disrupt educationFollowing the University's decision to negotiate with some students (although not the occupiers) about the demands, the decision was taken yesterday to end the occupation of the two lecture theatres in the Hicks Building. The occupation of the Jessop West Exhibition Space continues, with those inside well aware that these negotiations are only taking place because of their dedication and willingness to force the University to talk to its students.<br /><br />At around 2.30pm the Hick's building was vacated, and every effort was made by the departing occupiers to leave the space as it was found. Everything brought into the building by the occupiers was removed, and both lecture theatres were cleaned and hoovered. Nonetheless, The University continues to portray this occupation as disrupting education, even after it has ended. No lectures or seminars are taking place in lecture theatres 5 and 6 today, and they remain closed. A member of the academic staff at the University, due to teach in the previously occupied space this morning was not permitted to do so even though they could clearly see that the rooms were fit for purpose.<br /><br />Throughout the occupation University managaement has accused the occupiers of disrupting education. This is quite clearly not the case.<br /><br />A rally is being held today in support of the occupation's demands and all are thoroughly welcome to join us in urging the University to bring the negotiations to a satisfying conclusion.Sheffield Occupationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936784561231083861noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452633151809535673.post-48330562357449355742009-03-25T10:09:00.002+00:002009-03-25T10:14:28.399+00:00RALLY IN SUPPORT OF OUR DEMANDS 3PM TODAYWith the University still refusing to negotiate with the occupiers, and coming down heavier on them every minute (police were called last night but found we were commiting no criminal offence), we shall be holding a rally in support of the demands, and urging the university to negotiate and act fairly. This will start on the Union concourse at 3pm and make its way to the occupied Jessops West Exhibition Centre where a set of speakers will speak.<br /><br />Please come and show your support.Sheffield Occupationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936784561231083861noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452633151809535673.post-43017445560302956062009-03-24T00:59:00.003+00:002009-03-24T01:03:11.052+00:00Press Release: Occupation Spreads to Jessop West!!!The following press release was sent out tonight by the occupiers in Jessop West, remember to send solidarity and feel free to visit us in the exhibition centre at any time:<br /><br /><br /><b>23rd March 2009</b><br /><br /><b>Sheffield University Occupiers: Occupation Spreads to Jessop West!<br /></b><br />The Occupiers in the University of Sheffield have occupied a new space within the University, namely the exhibition centre in Jessop West, a brand new, flagship building for the university. As the time of press, the original occupation in the Hicks building continues throughout the night. Our reasons for expanding the occupation are as follows:<br /><br /> - Threats from the University management to evict students and workers from the original space.<br /> - A complete lockdown was instigated, denying free movement for Occupiers and supporters.<br /> - To increase pressure on University management after they went back on a promise to negotiate with the Occupiers.<br /> - Throughout the occupation, the management had accused the Occupiers of disrupting students’ education, and as a result, those involved have occupied a new space in which no lectures and seminars take place. This serves to demonstrate our continuing commitment to not disrupting students’ education.<br /><br />Furthermore, we feel an important point about the new space we have occupied has to be made. Our demands include a call for the university to donate resources to Gazan educational institutions, and to fund scholarships for Palestinian students, who are some of the poorest in the world, and whose universities have been devastated by the recent Israeli onslaught. We feel fulfilling these demands would be a much better use of resources - which include students’ fees - than the £21 million development that is the new Jessop complex. As previously mentioned, the development contains little or no teaching space, and as such is of little use to University of Sheffield students and/or teaching staff.<br /><br />This move marks over a week in occupation where our numbers have risen to as high as 100 people. Today, on the seventh day of the occupation, meetings attracted over 50 people in spite of the fact that the building was on full lockdown.<br /><br />Whilst university management continue to exclude the Occupiers from negotiations, relationships with university staff remain friendly, and the occupation remains peaceful, strong and positive. Messages of support and solidarity continue to pour in from fellow occupiers around the country, fellow students, Members of Parliament, other activist groups from inside and outside the university, and university staff and lecturers. The occupation has hosted a range of events and will continue to do so - discussions, guest lectures, talks and film showings - which all supporters are welcome to attend.<br /><br />The Palestine Society, the University of Sheffield Islamic Circle, the Black Students Committee and the Jewish Society have all been invited to take part in the proposed negotiations with the University management - all of whom oppose the University’s decision to exclude the Occupiers from the negotiation process. As the demands were not drawn up by any of these groups, and they have no means of putting pressure on the university other than via the occupation, we see little chance of progress being made on this issue until members of the occupation are invited to participate in these talks.<br /><br /><u>Our demands remain thus:</u><br /><br />As student activists and members of the University of Sheffield community, we call on the university to:<br /><br />1) Issue a statement condemning the disproportionate actions of the Israeli state against the Palestinian people.<br />2) Create a special programme of five Palestinian scholarships and waive all fees for current students from the occupied territories.<br />3) Enter into an academic partnership with the University of Gaza.<br />4) Donate old books, computers and other relevant equipment to the University of Gaza, and pay for the transport of these materials.<br />5) Publicise the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal on Sheffield University notice boards, website and via email.<br />6) Initiate a programme in partnership with students of divestment and ending links with the arms trade.<br />7) Allow those studying medicine to carry out their electives in the occupied territories of Palestine.<br />8) Commemorate the United Nations Palestine Solidarity Day on November 29th.<br />9) Echo the Occupation's statement of support with Israeli students who have been imprisoned for refusing to serve in the IDF.<br /><br />We have taken this action because we believe our university should be run democratically from below by students and staff, and not in the interests of corporate profiteering. Because of this belief, we express our solidarity with university workers and demand:<br /><br />10)That they face no cuts in jobs, wages or conditions.<br /><br />We further demand<br /><br />11) That participants in, or supporters of, the occupation face no repercussions.<br /><br />We will continue our occupation until our demands are met, or meaningful negotiations on our demands begin.<br /><br /><br /><br />Yours -<br />The Sheffield Occupiers.Sheffield Occupationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936784561231083861noreply@blogger.com216tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452633151809535673.post-18206376148248390272009-03-23T22:53:00.002+00:002009-03-23T23:56:49.502+00:00Bombard Burnett... again!We are asking our supporters to send the following model email (or an adapted version of it) to Vice Chancellor Keith Burnett at <a href="mailto:vc@sheffield.ac.uk">vc@sheffield.ac.uk</a> to put some pressure on him to open up negotiations with us! Copy your emails to us at <a href="mailto:sheffieldoccupation@googlemail.com">sheffieldoccupation@googlemail.com</a>, and to Burnett's secretary at <a href="mailto:r.sharples@sheffield.ac.uk">r.sharples@sheffield.ac.uk</a><br /><br />-<br /><br />Professor Burnett -<br /><br />I understand that, despite a verbal agreement from yourself, negotiations involving the student occupiers and other interested parties are yet to take place. I further understand that the proposed negotiation process, if it takes place at all, will take place without input from the occupiers.<br /><br />I believe that a negotiation process centrally involving the occupiers (as well as other relevant organisations such as the Palestine Society) is in the interests of all involved, as it is clearly the only way to move the situation forward towards a satisfactory conclusion.<br /><br />I therefore call on you to listen to the increasing student pressure (on campus and elsewhere) for negotiations around the campaign demands.<br /><br />[INSERT YOUR NAME AND CONTACT DETAILS HERE]Sheffield Occupationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936784561231083861noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452633151809535673.post-48748754374457954692009-03-23T17:26:00.003+00:002009-03-23T17:40:21.878+00:00Part 2 - the awkward sequelFollowing University management's attempts to secure an eviction order against the occupation of the Hicks Building Lecture Theatres the occupying collective elected to relocate to the University's nice, shiny exhibition space in Jessops West. The demands of the occupying collective remain the same, as does their commitment to negotiate a de-escalation of the action with University management and their determination to see such a positive resolution. The VC has as of yet not fulfilled his commitment to meet with interested parties (The Palestine Society, Islamic Circle, Union Officers and Jewish Society) to discuss constructive ways of implementing the occupying collectives demands. We are dismayed that the VC appears flagging on his prior commitments on this issue. Similarly we are disapointed by the effective exclusion of the occupation from this process given the VC's verbal commitment for inclusion in this process which his staff have subsequently reversed.<br /> The planned events for this afternoon and evening have continued with a 4:30 talk on "Palestine Past and Present" and an expected film showing. We endeavour to keep a friendly and respectful relationship with University staff.Sheffield Occupationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936784561231083861noreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452633151809535673.post-24676376212121384322009-03-23T17:06:00.005+00:002009-03-23T17:45:02.925+00:00Jessops West Exhibition Centre OccupiedStudents locked out of the Hicks occupation organised today and began a second occupation at Sheffield University in the new Jessops West building at 4pm.<br /><br />We are occupying with exactly the same demands, and have selected this building for its token status as the University's progress towards top-down management decisions. It has received wide praise for its innovative and environmental design, but at the same time received nothing but bad reviews from those academics and students who actually use the building. The open-plan offices, lack of teaching and storage space and lighting that causes migraines are all things that make the building unfit for anything other than administrative office space. Listening to what staff and students need seems to take second place to design awards and style. What's more it will not give management the excuse to move lectures.<br /><br />An update from the group in Jessops will come soon once they've established themselves and sorted out issues with Security.Sheffield Occupationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936784561231083861noreply@blogger.com71tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452633151809535673.post-1613754278999034772009-03-22T13:48:00.002+00:002009-03-22T13:57:57.276+00:00UPDATE on Events Going on THIS WEEKWe still haven't heard anything from anyone regarding our status in the negotiations. However we're still planing to go ahead with events over the coming week.<br /><br />On Monday we'll be having a talk on <span style="font-weight: bold;">Palestine Past and Present </span>at 4:30pm, followed by a bit of a discussion and then a choice of films to watch (<span style="font-weight: bold;">Occupation 101</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Waltz With Bashir</span> among others to choose from).<br /><br />On Tuesday we're inviting students from across the country to talk on occupations held at their Universities, their successes and some of the problems they faced. Again this'll be at 4:30opm.<br /><br />Then on Wednesday we're planning a rally on the concourse at 3pm to build support, followed by speakers from the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Jews for Justice, and other speakers.<br /><br />Solidarity with the People of PalestineSheffield Occupationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936784561231083861noreply@blogger.com89tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452633151809535673.post-90118666832318096792009-03-22T00:04:00.002+00:002009-03-22T00:47:48.635+00:00Update on Negotiations SituationWe noticed earlier this morning that Matt Fox, the Union Activities Officer, had posted on his Blog an email from the Vice Chancellor. This email was not forwarded to the Occupation's email which the VC's office had previously used to contact us.<br /><a href="http://www.shef.ac.uk/union/blogs/matt-fox/2009/03/latest-letter-from-vc.php"><br />http://www.shef.ac.uk/union/blogs/matt-fox/2009/03/latest-letter-from-vc.php</a><br /><br />The email essentially contradicts the information we had previously been given by Fiona the Womens' officer. We had been told that, during meetings with the VC, she had been given confirmation that delegates from the occupation would be involved. Below is the email we received, to which we replied with a list of 4 delegates names at 13:43.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Hi,<br />The University have asked for us to provide a list of names for the delegation to the initial negotiating meeting.<br /><br />15 delegates can come to represent the Palestine solidarity movement of campus. The Islamic Circle, the Palestine Society and the occupiers each have 4. The Students' Union has 3.<br /><br />Please send the names of 4 Sheffield University students who will attend the meeting on behalf of the occupiers. This will be passed on to the University then the time of the meeting will be finalised.<br /><br />The other groups have already confirmed the names of their delegates so please reply before 2pm so the meeting can be arranged asap.<br /><br />Cheers,<br />Fiona</span><br /><br /><br />As it is the weekend, we are currently unable to contact the University administration to confirm whether delegates from the occupation will be included in . We have been in contact with representatives from the Palestine Society, the Islamic Circle, as well as the Jewish Society and all have agreed that it is unhelpful for the University management to exclude the occupiers from the negotiations.<br /><br />We encourage all students and staff to continue to support the occupation but also to step up pressure upon the Vice Chancellor to open up negotiations with us. Our occupation is an open space and we encourage all to come and visit, debate with us, ask questions and display your solidarity or participate in the occupation.<br /><br />We suggest emailing his office on <a href="vc@sheffield.ac.uk">vc@sheffield.ac.uk</a>Sheffield Occupationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936784561231083861noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452633151809535673.post-19853035983681752582009-03-20T23:28:00.000+00:002009-03-20T23:29:31.158+00:00100 Hours Update:We’re currently under lockdown again; University management have taken the decision to remove access to the building for the weekend. Today we selected our delegates to the meeting with University management and we’re currently waiting for the Vice-Chancellor to respond to our correspondence and schedule a meeting. We had a successful meeting today, in which Hilary Smith from Sheffield PSC spoke about the tactic of boycott as part of the campaign. Shortly after this the university put the building on lockdown and here we are. People are no longer allowed to enter the building and we’re only able to receive food parcels at the door.<br /><br />The occupation rolls on!Sheffield Occupationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936784561231083861noreply@blogger.com62tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452633151809535673.post-19262307830965365362009-03-20T11:39:00.002+00:002009-03-20T11:43:55.646+00:00Today's updateWe've spent today continuing to work out the basis on which we want negotiations with University management to take place. We're hopeful of getting some movement and possibly even beginning meetings today. <br /><br />We'll be meeting in Occupied Hicks LT6 at 1pm today to decide what we want occupation delegates to negotiation meetings to say and how we can ensure they remain accountable to the whole occupation.<br /><br />Later today there'll be a meeting led by the PSC on their campaign against Veolia, a transport company involved in building expansionist settlements in Israel. The discussion will give activists an opportunity to discuss the usefulness of tactics such as boycotts and sanctions, which are controversial issues within the movement.<br /><br />Keep checking this blog for more info.Sheffield Occupationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936784561231083861noreply@blogger.com62tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452633151809535673.post-69484959206824564942009-03-19T21:18:00.003+00:002009-03-19T21:24:09.089+00:00Latest on negotiations<strong>University management to us (responding to our communication viewable here - http://sheffoccupied.blogspot.com/2009/03/negotiations-proposals.html):</strong><br /><br />Thank you for your message of late this morning.<br /><br />The Vice Chancellor and one of his Pro-Vice-Chancellors met with seven members of the Union of Students Executive this morning and agreed that lines of communication should be re-established with the University of Sheffield student body over the issues raised by a number of different interest groups concerned with events in Gaza.<br /><br />It was agreed that a meeting should be set up as soon as possible with representative student officers from the various organisations involved in current campaigns. Its important that, to facilitate dialogue, the number of participants in this meeting is kept to a reasonable number . A member of the University's Executive Board would attend to represent the institution's perspective, although who that would be would depend on the timing of the meeting. This meeting should be held in the Union of Students building. University staff would also be present at the meeting to ensure that the meeting was only attended by registered University of Sheffield students.<br /><br />Best wishes,<br /><br />The Vice-Chancellor's Office<br /><br /><strong>Us to the VC, in response to the above:</strong><br /><br />Dear Keith Burnett and the Pro-Vice Chancellors,<br /><br />While the members of the Occupation are disappointed that we will all not be able to take part directly with negotiations, we have agreed to send a delegation.<br /><br />This delegation will have a mandated position, and any decisions will have to be ratified by the Occupation before they can be approved in the negotiations.<br /><br />We have voted on suggesting an initial delegation size of 10, to represent the Occupation. We ask that the university replies to this e-mail as soon as possible so that a meeting can be arranged for Friday.<br /><br />We understand that Keith Burnett may be out of Sheffield on Friday, but we are keen to get negotiations started with other members of the management team.<br /><br />The OccupiersSheffield Occupationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936784561231083861noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452633151809535673.post-53868981654138941002009-03-19T15:34:00.003+00:002009-03-19T21:25:33.170+00:00Link the struggles! National coordination of student occupationsWe have just recieved a message from student activists that have been involved in actions across the country - we post this here and encourage others to read it too.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=57528489493" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/home.<wbr>php#/event.php?eid=57528489493</a><br /><br />After the wave of occupations and the national demonstration against fees; as Vice Chancellors and the government declare their intention to double fees; as cuts and redundancies rip through our campuses; and as the NUS fails to relate to any of these issues or give leadership to students - it's clear that the student movement is at a turning point.<br /><br />The thousands of students who are being drawn into campaigns need to co-ordinate our actions nationally: we need a national, fighting student movement!<br /><br />A group of activists from the university occupations, student union officers and activists from Education Not for Sale have called a national meeting on the 18th of April to discuss the way forward and co-ordinate our actions.<br /><br />We will hear speakers from the student movements in Europe and a speaker from the UK workers' movement - but this meeting won't be about listening to endless top table speakers: we want an open discussion from the floor, between student activists, to decide on what to do next and hopefully create a permanent co-ordination, network or federation of fighting student unions and activists.<br /><br />We want the organising process to be open and transparent - all are welcome to take part! Get in touch at <a href="mailto:studentcoordination@gmail.com" target="_blank">studentcoordination@gmail.com</a> <a href="mailto:studentcoordination@googlegroups.com" target="_blank">studentcoordination@<wbr>googlegroups.com</a>, or <a href="mailto:education.not.for.sale@gmail.com" target="_blank">education.not.for.sale@gmail.<wbr>com</a><br /><br />Watch this space for updates; and check the blog: <a href="http://studentcoordination.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">http://studentcoordination.<wbr>wordpress.com/</a>Sheffield Occupationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936784561231083861noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452633151809535673.post-17914004743311210652009-03-19T14:15:00.003+00:002009-03-19T14:30:36.269+00:00University Managment Disrupting LecturesWe have just been in conversation with a History Lecturer who had a booking to give a seminar on Post Apartheid South Africa. The management had originally relocated the seminar to room F28 upstairs, which was apparently double booked.<br /><br />The lecturer then came to us and we offered to allow them to use Lt 5 for their seminar. However he was then told by a manager that they were not allowed to hold lectures in our occupied space, who went upstairs to clear up the double booking. The lecturer expressed his support for our cause.<br /><br /><br />We re-iterate our desire to cooperate with students and staff to continue with their lectures in our occupied space, and condemn this attack by University Management on lecturer's autonomy. As we have repeatedly stated, Lecture theatre 7 is locked and not under our control, and that lectures are welcome in both Lt 5 and 6 if needed.Sheffield Occupationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936784561231083861noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452633151809535673.post-51371356002479547152009-03-19T12:48:00.002+00:002009-03-19T12:51:14.200+00:00Negotiations ProposalsThe Students Union sabbatical officers met with the Vice Chancellor this morning and a suggestion was agreed upon to enter into negotiations with all those involved (eg. the Palestinian Solidarity society, Islamic Circle, the occupiers, etc.).<br /><br />The Occupiers voted on the following response:<br /><br /><br /><br />Professor Burnett –<br /><br />We welcome your suggestion of negotiations and are fully committed to open negotiations between the University management and all parties involved. We believe that the best way to facilitate these negotiations would be to hold them in Lecture Theatre 7 in the Hicks Building (which has not been directly occupied) and allow any and all students who support the demands raised (including members of Sheffield Students Against Israel’s Attack on Gaza, all members of the occupation and any members of other supporting organisations) to participate in negotiations.<br /><br />We feel this model is in the best interests of democracy and openness.<br /><br />We look forward to your response –<br /><br />The OccupationSheffield Occupationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936784561231083861noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452633151809535673.post-86790165121226942572009-03-19T10:39:00.002+00:002009-03-19T10:45:45.914+00:00Timetable of events for the dayWe aim to hold educational meetings whilst we hold this space, and we welcome everyone to attend be they students, lecturers, other staff or people from the wider community.<br /><br />1pm Palestine Society planning meeting for protecting and extending the SU's policy on Palestine<br /><br />2pm Discussion about activism around BAE - an arms company our University has links with.<br /><br />3pm Alternative Media workshop with a publisher from Indymedia.<br /><br />4.30pm Tom Stafford - Lecturer from Psychology department on The psychology of framing; the rhetoric of the Israel- Palestine conflict.<br /><br />Evening - Dinners and informal discussion on why we occupied.<br /> - Unconfirmed meetings and discussion from student societiesSheffield Occupationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936784561231083861noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452633151809535673.post-6547949120311241782009-03-19T08:14:00.004+00:002009-03-19T09:07:55.565+00:00NUS Black Students CampaignWe have received a message of support from the National Union of Students Black Students Campaign.<br /><br />As a further update on our status, we haven't received any further communication from the University management. And they haven't issued the threatened court order as of yet. <br /><br />Through persistent flyering and campaigning on the concourse yesterday we had over 80 people attending a public meeting where we hosted a talk from a University Psychology Lecturer on a previously successful academics' campaign against a publisher's involvement in the arms trade. We followed this by a discussions on why we're occupying and what we feel we can achive.<br /><br />We're planning to host a similar meeting tonight, with better organisation around a Q&A session on the occupation. We also plan to show films during the evening and have offered our space for other societies to host their planned public meetings.Sheffield Occupationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936784561231083861noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452633151809535673.post-25647058434618130462009-03-18T22:40:00.002+00:002009-03-19T00:13:09.553+00:00Union President Blog PostThe Union President David Hurst has given a statement on his official Blog.<br /><br />The occupiers thank the president for voicing his opinion.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.shef.ac.uk/union/blogs/dave-hurst/2009/03/lecture-theatre-occupations.php">http://www.shef.ac.uk/union/blogs/dave-hurst/2009/03/lecture-theatre-occupations.php</a>Sheffield Occupationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936784561231083861noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452633151809535673.post-69237104757860219522009-03-18T22:30:00.000+00:002009-03-18T22:36:17.655+00:00Jewish occupation activists respond to Sheffield J-SocThe Secretary of the University of Sheffield Jewish Society today released a statement on a Facebook group set up to oppose us expressing the feelings of vulnerability and harassment felt by some Jewish students towards our occupation. The text of this statement is viewable at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/topic.php?uid=60170581533&topic=9766.
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<br />Below, Jewish activists within our occupation respond to the statement.
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<br /><em>We are writing as Jewish activists from within the occupation in response to fears and concerns expressed by J-Soc. Although we regret any feeling of victimisation on the part of any Jewish student, or any student of another ethnic minority, we wish to make it entirely clear that our occupation is unambiguously opposed to anti-Semitism, which we believe can play no positive role in any movement to fight for peace and justice in the Middle East.
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<br /><em>Unlike some, we do not dismiss out of hand the notion that anti-Semitism exists within the Palestine solidarity movement; however, many of the activists involved in our occupation have been at the forefront of fighting those elements and attempting to build a movement in which Jews who oppose the Israeli state's oppression of the Palestinians are made to feel welcome.
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<br /><em>The motivation behind this occupation is ultimately anti-racist: we feel revolted by the callous attitudes which see Palestinian lives as disposable, and it is exactly this feeling of solidarity that leads us – and our gentile comrades – to oppose anti-Semitism wherever it occurs, whether inside or outside the movement. The very first principle of our code of conduct clearly states that racism (as well as other forms of discriminatory behaviour such as sexism and homophobia) is unacceptable and will not be tolerated within the safe space we have created.
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<br /><em>It is also not the case that our occupation is hostile to Israeli-Jews as a people. Our opposition is to the Israeli state and its oppression of the Palestinians and occupation of their land; far from expressing hostility to Israeli-Jews, one of our demands is that the university expresses its solidarity with those brave Israeli students who have faced jail rather than serve in the IDF in what they feel is an unjust and immoral war. We stand in solidarity with progressive, democratic and radical forces across the world – including within Israeli society.
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<br /><em>We cannot see any reason why any of the slogans raised by our occupation would be seen as threatening or anti-Semitic; however, if students do have genuine concerns about feeling threatened, we invite them to explain what their problems are, so we can work our concerns out together and clean up any misunderstandings that may have arisen. Any student with concerns about the impact of our occupation is welcome to visit our occupied space to discuss with us without any fear of intimidation or harassment.
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<br /><em>Without wishing to trivialise or dismiss any concerns our fellow students may feel, we would also wish to invite anyone who feels intimidated by the sight of a few solidarity banners in a building to take a moment to think of the plight of Palestinian students attempting to study under military occupation, as it is this sense of compassion for people who are having their educations – and their lives – disrupted which drove us to this course of action in the first place.
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<br /><em>We are proud to identify with a long, varied and rich cosmopolitan tradition of radical diaspora Jews, from Emma Goldman to Albert Einstein, and thoroughly resent the idea that an identity as diverse, multifaceted and gloriously indefinable as Judaism should be tied to a narrowly nationalist, militaristic ideology, with diaspora Jews asked to either silence criticism of Israel or else be made to feel somehow “less Jewish”. Furthermore, and as we have said, a considerable opposition movement – comprising working-class forces, refusers, anti-war activists and others – exists within Israel itself, which sees no problem with combining Jewish cultural identity with criticism of, and opposition to, the Israeli ruling-class.
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<br /><em>Finally, we disassociate ourselves entirely from the incident in which a 'boycott Israeli goods' sticker was placed on the J-Soc noticeboard. Our occupation has no policy on the question of a boycott and many activists within it oppose the tactic. We wish to reiterate our total opposition to all forms of racism (including anti-Semitism), our commitment to internationalist solidarity with the Palestinian people and our support for Israeli-Jews struggling for peace and justice for all peoples in the Middle East.</em>
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<br /><em>Yours -
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<br /><em>Jewish activists within the occupation (in personal capacities)</em>
<br />Sheffield Occupationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936784561231083861noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452633151809535673.post-85097820670781485032009-03-18T16:03:00.000+00:002009-03-18T16:07:02.283+00:00Meeting tonight: 4:30pmDespite attempts to prevent new people from getting into our space, we're planning on going ahead with tonight's meeting. This'll feature Sheffield lecturer Tom Stafford talking about the history of the involvment of academic workers in activism, and an open discussion on some big political questions like imperialism and resistance, led off by our very own Frode S.<br /><br />Even if you end up not being able to get in, come and visit us at 4:30 (i.e. in twenty-five minutes!) and show your support!Sheffield Occupationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936784561231083861noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452633151809535673.post-33645839622153498642009-03-18T15:29:00.000+00:002009-03-18T16:42:35.685+00:00Direct action gets the goods: student occupations can win!One of the main criticisms that's been leveled at our action is that it's futile and can't possible achieve anything. This, to be blunt, is a total lie. Every significant piece of social progress in history has been won off the back of radical direct action, and the recent wave of student occupations has also resulted in some pretty serious achievements and victories.<br /><br />We list here the achievements of the other student occupations as proof that direct action gets results and to give our supporters hope that ours can win too!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bradford University</span><br /><br /><ul><li>Investigate into the investment of banks used by the University.</li><li>Investigate twinning with the University of Gaza.</li><li>Organise financial help for students affected by the conflict.</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">The University of Cardiff<br /><br /></span><ul><li>Undertake an ethical investment policy.</li><li>Disinvest from BAE Systems and all other arms companies.</li><li>Distribute surplus computers and equipment to Gazan educational facilities.</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Edinburgh University<br /><br /></span><ul><li>Put an end to the sale of unethical bottled water Eden Spring.</li><li>Consider an ethical investment policy.</li><li>Scholarships for 5 Palestinian students.</li><li>Transport excess/old materials to the University of Gaza</li><li>The University host a series of lectures and debates about the issue.</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">The University of Essex<br /><br /></span><ul><li>Send educational materials to the University of Gaza.</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Glasgow University<br /><br /></span><ul><li>Send academic resources to the University of Gaza.</li><li>Consider whether it is ethical to stock Eden Springs bottled water.</li><li>Review the ethical investment policy.</li><li>The vice-chancellor to open a DEC fundraising campaign event.</li><li>Consider offering additional scholarships to Palestinian students.</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Goldsmiths<br /><br /></span><ul><li>4 Scholarships for Palestinian students until 2018.</li><li>Twin with the University of Gaza</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">KCL<br /></span><br /><ul><li>Send academic resources to the University of Gaza.</li><li>Consider and ethical investment policy.</li><li>Write to Shimon Peres expressing concern over the situation.</li><li>Work with the SU to raise funds to help with the humanitarian crisis.</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Leeds University<br /><br /><br /></span><ul><li>Send academic resources to the University of Gaza.</li><li>Review their current ethical investment policy.</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">The University of Sussex<br /><br /></span><ul><li>Review their current ethical investment policy.</li><li>5 scholarships for Palestinian students.</li><li>Send academic resources to the University of Gaza.</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">LSE</span><br /><ul><li>Review their current ethical investment policy.</li><li>Waive fees for current Palestinian students.</li><li>Send academic resources to the University of Gaza.</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Newcastle University</span><br /><ul><li>Issue statement in support of Gaza and recognising the humanitarian crisis that the people of Gaza are now facing.</li><li>Send academic resources to the University of Gaza.</li><li>Enter into discussions concerning disinvestment from the arms trade.</li><li>University will actively support the SU in campaigns and projects.</li><li>Enter into partnership with the University of Gaza</li><li>All members of occupation bought lunch by vice-chancellor as a goodwill gesture.</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plymouth University<br /></span><ul><li>Offer 6 scholarships to students affected by conflict; 3 of which for Palestinian students.</li><li>Send academic resources to the University of Gaza.</li><li>Start an ethical investment policy. </li><li>Disinvest from BAE systems.</li><li>Boycott all Israeli goods.<br /></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Queen Mary University<br /></span><ul><li>Disinvest in all unethical investments.</li><li>Send academic resources to the University of Gaza.</li><li>Discuss Scholarships</li></ul>Further, at an AGM the following were passed in direct response to the occupation:<br /><br />1. To support a day of fundraising for humanitarian relief for Gaza, with all proceeds to be given to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC).<br /><br />2. To pressure the university to send surplus equipment and to organise, through the Union, to provide logistical support for the collection of this aid.<br /><br />3. To join the global Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement by<br />divesting from Israel and boycotting all companies that support or benefit from<br />the Israeli occupation and lobbying the University to adopt a similar BDS policy<br />towards Israel, and to build links with student unions and other trade unions who<br />adopt a BDS policy.<br /><br />4. To condemn the University for its lack of progress in divesting from arms<br />companies and ending all research in weapons manufacturing. And to adopt a<br />stronger approach with the university on this issue.<br /><br />5. To send a letter to the BBC condemning their refusal to air the DEC appeal for<br />Gaza, and to place the appeal advert in Cub, QM Messenger and on the home<br />page of the QMSU website, until the appeal is closed.<br /><br />6. To send a message of support to occupations around the country that have<br />shown solidarity with the people of Gaza, condemned the Israeli attacks and<br />opposed the siege of Gaza.<br /><br />7. To send a public message of solidarity to the Islamic University in Gaza, whose<br />campus has been virtually destroyed, and publish it in Cub and QM Messenger.<br /><br />8. To pressure the university to provide 5 fully paid scholarships for Palestinian<br />students in recognition of the complete destruction of many educational<br />facilities in Gaza as a result of the Israeli bombing campaigns.<br /><br />9. To declare unequivocal support for the occupation and Queen Mary Stop the<br />War Coalition so far as it keeps the current demands, remains non-violent and<br />maintains its intention not to disrupt the education of peers. To support and aid<br />Queen Mary Stop the War Coalition in its negotiations with the university. To<br />support all students and staff so far as they face any repercussions.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rochester University<br /></span><ul><li>Send academic resources to the University of Gaza</li><li>Commit resources and infromation to help fundraising.</li><li>Provide scholarships to Palestinian students.</li><li>Move toward ethical investment.</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">SOAS<br /></span><ul><li>As a result of the occupation...</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">St Andrews<br /></span><ul><li>End ties with the unethcial bottled water company Eden Springs by 2010.</li><li>Push towards ethical investment.</li><li>Scholarships for those whose studies that have been interupted by conflict and natural disasters; also looking into long term support for Palestinian students.</li><li>Look into developing links with the University of Gaza.</li><li>Send humanitarian aid, and support the DEC appeal.</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Strathclyde University<br /></span><ul><li>End ties with the unethical bootled water company Eden Springs.</li><li>Offer 1-3 scholarships to Palestinian students.</li><li>Allow the DEC campiagn on campus.</li><li>Reiterate the relationship with the University of Gaza.</li><li>Consider disinvestment from the arms trade.</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">UAL<br /></span><ul><li>Condemn the bombing of educational institutions in Gaza.</li><li>Set up links with educational instituitions in Gaza.</li><li>Support actions for fundraising.</li><li>Look into offering schloarships for Palestinian students.</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">UEL<br /></span><ul><li>Promote the DEC campaign on campus.</li><li>Disinvest from Israeli companies.</li><li>Take up an ethical investment programme.</li><li>Offer 6 scholarships for people affected by conflict; 3 of which are for Palestinian students.</li><li>Individual schools to collaborate with their counterparts in the University of Gaza.</li><li>Send academic supplies to the University of Gaza.</li><li>Create a DEC collection day on the 19th of March.</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">UWE<br /><br /></span><ul><li>Offer scholarships for those affected by the conflict.</li><li>Consider an ethical investment policy.</li><li>Send a letter of support to the University of Gaza.</li><li>Criticise the BBC and Sky for failing to show the DEC appeal.</li><li>Send academic supplies to the University of Gaza.</li></ul><br />So, occupation as a tactic does not work? I think not.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Sheffield Occupationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936784561231083861noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452633151809535673.post-26497048895261115322009-03-17T22:34:00.003+00:002009-03-19T16:00:25.108+00:00Messages of support<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Messages of support and solidarity keep pouring in. So far, we've received messages of support from the following (either as organisations or as individual members of...)</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" ></span><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >University of Sheffield Amnesty International </span></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Cambridge Gaza Solidarity</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Cambridge IWW</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Cardiff Students Against the War</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Dadaist International</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Edinburgh Student Occupation</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Greek Young Greens</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Hands Off the People of Iran</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Jews for Justice for Palestinians</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Sheffield People & Planet</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Sheffield Anarchist Federation</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Sheffield STWC</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Sheffield SWP</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Sheffield TUC</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Sheffield Socialist Party<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Sheffield Workers’ Liberty</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Sussex University occupiers</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Tyneside PSC</span></li><li><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Newcastle University occupiers</span></strong></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Warwick University</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Worker-Communist Party of Iran </span></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Workers’ Left Unity Iran</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >CND</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Northampton NUT</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >North East Workers’ Liberty</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Students As Students, Greenwich</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Swansea University</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Sunderland University</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Sheffield Student Action for Refugees </span></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >University of Sheffield Turkish Society</span></li><li><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Exeter University</span></strong></li><li><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Bradford University occupiers</span></strong></li><li><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">SOAS occupiers</span></strong></li><li><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Take Back New York University</span><br /></span></li><li><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Public & Civil Service Union Independent Left</span></strong></li><li><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Leeds Workers' Liberty</span></strong></li><li><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">South Yorkshire NUJ</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sheffield Palestine Solidarity Campaign</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Nottingham University Occupation </span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Archaeologists for Global Justice</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">NUS Black Students Campaign</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sheffield University Snowboarding Club<br /></span></span></li></ul><p>If you wish to have your organisation added please leave a comment, or email us <b>sheffieldoccupation(at}googlemail[dot}com<br /></b></p><b></b>Sheffield Occupationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936784561231083861noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452633151809535673.post-70675216566260259892009-03-17T21:27:00.000+00:002009-03-18T01:21:41.062+00:00Support PetitionWe've set up an i-Petition to gather support for our cause. Please sign it, as well as emailing the University Vice Chancellor as we suggested bellow. We've had loads of Cc's of people's emails to the VC already and the more shows of support the better!!<br /><a href="http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/sheffield_occupation/index.html"><br />http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/sheffield_occupation/index.html</a>Sheffield Occupationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936784561231083861noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452633151809535673.post-38479342006159811432009-03-17T19:09:00.000+00:002009-03-17T19:19:29.555+00:00Fast times at Sheffield UniOur building's been locked down so no-one new can come in. We've also been given written notices that the University will seek a court injunction against us if we're not out by 9am tomorrow morning. This injunction will seek damages for legal costs as well as the cost of paying for extra security workers.<br /><br />We're all pretty outraged that the University would suddenly start behaving so heavy-handedly towards its own students, particularly given the lengths we've gone to to ensure the minimum amount of disruption to normal educational functioning (going as far as to facilitate lectures taking place ourselves when University management wanted to relocate them!).<br /><br />People have congregated outside our building to attend our 7pm meeting; we're currently discussing how to maintain and grow our occupation...Sheffield Occupationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936784561231083861noreply@blogger.com18