Contact details for the university
Email the Vice-Chancellor’s office : VC@sussex.ac.uk
Email James Knapton, Freedom of Information Officer: j.a.knapton@sussex.ac.uk
Email Allan Spencer, Director of Finance: a.spencer@sussex.ac.uk
Occupation
Started - 20th January 2009
Ended - 28th January 2009
Where - Arts A2 lecture theatre
Why - In solidarity with the people of Gaza
Demands
Their demands:
1. That the University of Sussex issue a statement condemning the recent and continuing atrocities perpetrated by Israel in the Gaza strip. The University should officially denounce the attacks on civilians, the systematic obstruction of humanitarian aid and the targeting of academic institutions, hospitals, places of worship and international peace keeping facilities.
2. That the University of Sussex cease to invest directly or indirectly in companies complicit in human rights abuses in the Gaza strip and internationally. We would like to draw attention to the motion passed on this subject in the USSU AGM this academic year.
3. That no Israeli goods or goods produced by companies that have directly funded the State of Israel be sold on campus. The University of Sussex should remove these goods from all private retail and dining facilities as the Union is endeavoring to accomplish.
4. That the University of Sussex provide complete financial scholarships for three students from Al-Quds Open University in Tubas with which USSU is twined and three students from Gaza University which has been bombed by the Israeli military.
5. That any surplus educational resources available to the University of Sussex are provided to Gaza University and that the shipping of these resources be fully paid for by the University of Sussex.
6. That there be no legal, financial, or academic measures taken against anyone involved in or supporting the occupation. This extends to the Student Union. Students involved will be guaranteed free movement in and out of the occupied space.
Success
The university said it agreed with the Universities UK statement and condemned attacks on civilians.
Regarding ethical investment/divestment
The University claim it was ‘not aware of any investment or research directly or indirectly connecting Sussex to companies that are allegedly complicit in human rights abuses in Gaza or anywhere else’ but it would ‘review its ethical investment policy that aims to ensure the University only engages in making socially responsible investments’. ‘It will establish a working party of Strategy and Resources Committee to undertake this review. The working party will include the student representative on SRC. The working party will be pleased to receive any data or evidence that shows that the policy is knowingly or unknowingly being breached. Any such breach identified by the working party will result in divestment and cessation of the activity.’
Regarding sanctions against Israeli goods and products sold on campus
‘The University is not aware of a call for or agreement by the UN for economic sanctions against Israel. The University would wish to work with USSU to ensure that produce sold on campus indicates clearly its source or provenance so that members of the community can make an informed choice prior to purchase. The University notes that its catering and retail strategy already makes clear that it is the University’s practice to source food and other produce from local farmers and suppliers wherever possible’.
Regarding scholarships for Palestinian students
The University will seek to develop a scheme that has, as a minimum, six scholarships targeted at people from regions affected by conflict or catastrophe.
Meanwhile, the University will review its promotion of the international scholarships that it has currently available in order to increase the number of applications from Palestine and other regions suffering conflict or catastrophe.
Support for Palestinian universities
The University will attempt to dispose of or re-cycle surplus books, computers and other learning materials for the benefit of deserving institutions in Palestine currently affected by the conflict, meeting any reasonable shipping costs if necessary.
The university said that the occupation was ‘lawful and not in breach of the University’s Regulations’ and so there would be no reprisals for students involved.
Negotiation
28th Janaury
The occupiers post up the statement that has been removed from the uni website.
27th January
At 21.30 an agreement was reached with the university and the occupation was ended. The occupiers issued a press release and the university posted the statement up on their website. It has now been taken down.
The occupiers send a letter to Gordon Brown, the Director General of the BBC and DAvid Lepper MP
The university issue a statement about the occupation that appears to answer their demands. The occupiers added some amendments to it and sent it back. The university responded by giving the occupiers an ultimatum. They had to end the occupation and leave by 9am or management would withdraw the statement. The occupiers decided to continue the occupation.
25th January
The occupiers try to create a nice environment in the occupation and think carefully about a safe space policy.
23rd January
Further events are planned for the weekend.
The occupiers issue more information about why they are occupying.
The university say they have an ethical investment policy and request more information from the occupiers about arms investments so they can investigate it further.
The occupiers plan a day of events to raise support for their occupation.
22nd January
The letter is discussed at length and further clarification sought. A large number of people stay at the occupation overnight.
The university opens up negoations with the occupiers. The liaison team received a letter from the vice-chancellor’s office which they shared at a genral meeting at 7pm with the other occupiers.
Occupiers issue a list of things you can do to help them.
21st January
Two members of the occupation met with the VC. ‘They were received with politeness and sympathy, however none of the demands have been met.’ The occupiers say that ‘relations with campus security have been amiable’.
The occupiers issue information about the university’s investments and ask supporters to contact the university.
Occupiers call a general meeting
20th January
The issue leaflets explaining their occupation and despite illital problems with security they continue the occupation. Lectures continue and the occupiers maintain a symbolic presence in the room.
Students occupy Arts A2 - a lecture theatre on campus and issue their demands.
Support
28th January
Support from the Palestinian Federation.
23rd January
Several members of faculty speak at the occupation.
22nd January
Various visitors come to support the occupation
Protest
29th January
Rally planned at 1pm in the Library Square but cancelled due to bad weather.
22nd January
Due to weather the rally and march planned for 1pm was cancelled. An indoor rally was held at 5pm
21st January
Pictures from the 21st.
‘Naming of the Dead’ demonstration at 4pm outside the ITT factory ( supplier of components for F16 missiles to the Israeli military) organised by the Smash EDO campaign.
