LCC Under Occupation

UPDATE: 'Oppose' have occupied the UAL rector; Nigel Carrington's office today for 6 hours, resulting in a meeting with the deputy rector for an hour to air their views. See their blog at the bottom of this article for latest updates.

Students from London College of Communication last night (09/11/09) occupied the Main Lecture Theatre over changes implemented by senior management. The group, 'Oppose', formed at the end of the academic year 08/09 in light of the 'efficiency programme' proposed by the recently employed head of college, Sandra Kemp. The programme presents 16 courses to be cut and approximately 180 staff to be made redundant.

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Student Meeting

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Students Discussing Action

Following a meeting with the Student Union and the University College Union over 100 students furiously stormed the head of college's office on Tuesday 27th October, demanding answers. An impromptu conference was then held almost immediately in the Main Lecture Theatre where students bombarded angered questions at senior management. Tensions high Oppose decided to build momentum by holding two student-lead meetings to discuss the changes and how to continue the struggle.

Following a successful meeting; with guest lectures from the Tower Hamlets College, the UCU and NUS representatives, students decided to action by occupying the Main Lecture Theatre. Sleeping over night, management threatened to bring in Police to remove individuals from the campus unless they left. The students remained.

This morning management have tried to call off lectures that were due to be held in the theatre; however determined to promote education and not disrupt it, the Oppose group encouraged all students and staff to continue all scheduled lectures. Many were encouraged by this and continued as planned, some were however cancelled, much to the group's dismay. Messages of support have been flooding in from both local and international parties plus a number of previously politically inactive students are becoming mobilised. The movement is building and morale is high. Although security has been hired to obstruct any visitors to the university the group fully endorse any messages sent or protests held outside the university.

More information about the group and struggle can be found at http://lccoppose.blogspot.com/

Messages of support can be sent to lccoppose@gmail.com

Photo 1 by Joana Pinto

Photos 2-4 by Thom Will

More photos soon!

Links:

LCC Oppose blog

Contact email: lccoppose@gmail.com