As the student occupation at the University of Manchester enters its 27th day, preparations are underway for a national demonstration to take place this Wednesday, March 4, 2pm at the University’s Student Union.
Given Vice-Chancellor Alan Gilbert’s persistent refusal to discuss the students’ demands, the rally will be a crucial test of strength for the growing pro-Palestinian student movement in the UK, which has already scored several victories.
For frequent updates and more information about the occupation visit the students’ blog.
A national demonstration has been called in support of the student occupations. It’s crucial that we have as much representation from different Universities, Colleges and Schools as possible.
We in Manchester have been in occupation for almost four weeks now, yet the University has so far refused to negotiate with us. The University still invests in the arms trade, leading to some students having to disrupt a DSTL stall (an agency of the MoD) at an official graduate recruitment fair.
The Vice Chancellor Alan Gilbert has threatened expulsion for students who are involved.
Our demands are in line with current Union policy having received an overwhelming majority at an Emergency General Meeting, attended by over 1,100 students.
Being the biggest university in the UK, all eyes are on Manchester, and the success of the occupation here is critical to the success of the national movement.
A full list of our demands can be found at our website.
Come along on Wednesday the 4th at 2pm in the Quad (by the Union) to show support for the besieged people of Gaza, and to ask the University to begin to listen to the students’ over Gaza. Come and join our movement for a free Palestine and demand that Manchester University stops supporting Israel’s murder and supports justice in Gaza.
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