Students who barricaded themselves inside University of Manchester buildings last month will face disciplinary action, the institution has confirmed.
In all, 11 students from the UoM Rent Strike group are facing disciplinary action, the protesters say. Now, a spokesperson for the university has also confirmed it will ‘commence the process of issuing legal proceedings to regain possession of our buildings’.
UoM Rent Strike said it is unmoved by this latest development, and has claimed ‘this action will not intimidate us’. It also said no crime was committed and no buildings were damaged in a statement posted on Twitter just before 1pm today (March 1).
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“The University of Manchester has commenced disciplinary action against student activists over the occupations of the John Owens and Simon buildings,” the statement began. “Yesterday, 11 students received emails from the University informing them that they were under investigation for breaching the ‘Conduct and Discipline’ regulations.
“This response to student occupations is unprecedented, and proves that the university feels threatened by students making their voices heard and taking action for better conditions. We condemn the University of Manchester’s decision to pursue serious disciplinary action against these students.
“No crimes have been committed and no damage has been done to any personal offices, despite the university’s claims. The decision of senior management to make false statements about protesting students in an attempt to discredit and suppress their voice, is unacceptable. There have been no health and safety issues caused by occupations, except for those imposed by the university when they put chains and bike locks on fire exits and turned off heating. Police also stated that "no serious injuries were reported" when the university tried to falsely accuse students of assaulting security staff.
“We will continue the occupation of the Simon building indefinitely, and we will continue to campaign for the Rent Strike demands, a £1,500 cash rebate for all students, and in solidarity with the UCU’s ongoing dispute. This action will not intimidate us.”
Later this afternoon, the University of Manchester confirmed what action it is taking against the protesters. A spokesperson said: “We understand and support the rights of our students to peaceful protest – that freedom has been reflected in our response to these ongoing occupations over several weeks.
“However, a very small number of students have regrettably been involved in action that is unlawful and has significantly disrupted the experience of other students and staff across the University. This includes health and safety breaches, entry to private office spaces, and injury caused to colleagues. This behaviour is simply not acceptable.
“Our communications to the occupiers have explained our concerns about the occupations and their impact on our University community and have included formal notice to leave on several occasions. Despite those efforts, and ongoing engagement between the students and the Students’ Union, the occupations have not ended.
“As a consequence, it has now regrettably become necessary for us to commence the process of issuing legal proceedings to regain possession of our buildings. In addition, we have now notified a number of those involved that they will face formal University disciplinary action.
“We are an organisation that takes great pride in its sense of community and its wonderful students and staff, so it is highly regrettable that these matters are resulting in us having to take action.”
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