From Inside the Sheffield University Occupation - Siobhan Bligh Reports

UPDATE by Siobhan Bligh

On the 24th of November, the Education Activists Network organised an event that brought 120,000 people onto the street of their cities in Britain, in opposition to the rise of tuition fees and the cuts as a whole. In Sheffield, we staged an occupation in a lecture theatre, the demands can be found here; http://sheffieldoccupation.tumblr.com/
The day had started with 2000 students and college kids protesting outside the Town Hall, the protest was driven by anger towards the loss of EMA. The education maintenance allowance gave teenagers in poorer families to gain £30 per week if they went to college or 6th form. The mood was ecstatic, the teenagers chanting and venting their anger. The entire scene highlighted the belief that there is a new form of political dialogue that is hitting the streets of Britain. It is becoming increasingly apparent that the “massive uk debt” cannot be used to mandate such a huge cut in services. Children and their parents, workers and their bosses are discussing the role of politicians, education and welfare systems on a daily basis. Although I may not like the answers some people present in response to debates around welfare and the role of the state, the level of discussion makes this a truly exciting political period.
After the protest, students amass in the Hicks Building to start the occupation, hours of debates and votes later, the demands are finalised and released to the press. The adrenaline of the day results in a great vibe, the strength of opposition and updates of student action from around the UK keeps everyone in good cheer. Everyone has a smile on their face, from the anarcho-communist in the corner to the ex-lib dem passing from lack of sleep on a lecture table. The police are present, but never officially intervene with the peaceful protest. The night passes by with snow gently drifting outside the hicks windows, as the television updates us with student solidarity from around the country. Around 40 universities staged a sit in last night, some are still active. The BBC focuses on the London riots, and the kettling of protesters by police, but the day seems to be filled by coverage of people on the streets supporting the students. Change is happening in Britain, the resilience to fight against injustice is returning to the student masses.
A ITV journalist interviewed me, and asked whether the occupation was going to disrupt education in the university. The occupation was not a threat to higher education, the con-dem cuts in higher education most certainly is, with 100% cuts in arts, humanities and and 40% in sciences effective immediately. What have doctors, politicians, historians, writers, chemists and artists ever done for us anyway?