[OPE] Strathclyde sit-in

Jerry,
 
STRATHCLYDE SIT-IN: UPDATE
 
I have been away from Glasgow for two or three days, and your mention of a sit-in at Strathclyde took me by surprise. Today's (Friday's) Scotsman newspaper reports that the sit-in ended last night - with a pretty good result for the protesters.
 
As was reported the student demands included: cancellation of the University's water supply contract with Eden Springs (an Israeli company), the severing of links with arms manufacturer BAE systems, issuing of a statement condemning the Israeli action in Gaza, the creation of a scholarship programme for Palestinian students at Strathclyde and a pledge of solidarity for the Islamic University of Gaza and also, condemning the BBC, that the DEC appeal be broadcast on the campus the following day.
 
The following is from the Scotsman (bye line - Craig Brown)
 
Following negotiations yesterday afternoon, agreement was reached on a number of points: the contract with Eden Spring would be cancelled, a scholarship programme for Palestinian students would be established and the DEC appeal would be broadcast on campus.
 
Danny McGregor, speaking on behalf of the protestors, said: "We are happy with what we have achieved. . . . what we've managed so far is fantastic, but it's just the start. We couldn't get what we wanted with BAE, but there's a massive movement amongst the students against their presence here, and we're going to take this forward to the Strudents' Representative Council." He added that in future students were willing to carry out more sit-ins to achieve their demands.
 
A spokeswoman for the university said that they recognised the students' right to protest and had been "content for them to demonstrate peacefully".
 
Dr Peter West, the secretary of the university, said of the agreement: "The university expresses its deep concern about the plight of the people of Gaza. We are particularly aware that the infrastructure of higher education has been damaged, making it particularly difficult for Palestinian students to pursue their studies."
 
"The university has made a number of undertakings, including supporting its students in their effort to raise funds for the rebuilding of Gaza. In addition, it will create a scholarship scheme for Palestinian students, similar to the scheme already offerd to students from Rwanda."
 
Dr West added: "It will encourage universities across Scotland to take part in this scheme."
 
Cheers,
 
Roy
 

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Received on Fri Feb 6 06:51:50 2009