Around 30 students and lecturers from Nottingham Trent University protested against the proposed rise in tuition fees today. In the third national day of action against the cuts, a rally was held outside Byron House at midday.
NTSU President, Phil Docherty, said: “I think it is very much worthwhile doing. Although, I do appreciate that it’s difficult for government, they do have to make these tough decisions.
“I think the worst thing about this is say in 10 or 15 years the economy recovers, no government is going to turn around and put [the fees] back down.”
Chris Macintosh, a lecturer at NTU’s School of Education, said: “I’m specifically interested in some of the changes that are happening in politics and sport which is my subject area. I’m quite impassioned about the children that are in the local Clifton estate in schools. I think that they’ll find it really hard to afford to go to university in the future.”
The rally lasted half an hour and coincided with protests across the country.
At Nottingham University, a group called Nottingham Students Against Fees and Cuts occupied the Great Hall on the university campus.
Mainly communicating through their webpage and twitter account, the group said they were occupying the building: “in order to protest against the proposed tripling of university tuition fees, and the upcoming funding cuts to education and the public sector in general.”
NSAFC also released a set of demands:
1. We demand that the University of Nottingham lobby the Russell Group and the government and issue a statement condemning all cuts to higher education, the EMA and the rise in tuition fees.
2. We demand that the University of Nottingham implement a complete open book policy in regards to existing budget constraints
3. We demand that the University of Nottingham ensure no redundancies for teaching, research or support staff.
4. Ensure that no victimization or repercussions for anyone participating in the occupation.
5. Allow free access in and out of the building
Oliver Whitfield-Miocic
