Contact details for the occupation
Visit their website
Email the occupiers: ualpalestinesolidaritynetwork@googlemail.com
Contact details for the university
Switchboard
Tel: 0207 514 6000
Occupation
Started - Monday 23rd February 2009
Ended - Wednesday 25th Febraury 2009
Where - A lecture theater on the LCC campus
Why - In solidarity with the people of Gaza
Demands
Their demands:
1. UAL must issue a full public statement condemning the bombings of educational institutions in Gaza. This statement must be official and formal in its entirety.
2. UAL must agree to break all corporate links with Israel to add pressure on its denial of Palestinians human rights. Including the ending of contracts with DGMARKET.
3. UAL must survey its resources with the aim of donating any unused or out of date books, computers, furniture or other teaching resources with an educational institute within Gaza. A link should be established between the two academic institutions and sustained support should be maintained for a minimum of 5 years.
4. UAL must provide 10 fully-funded scholarships to Palestinian students affected by the recent conflict.
5. UAL with the support of the UALPSC, must organise a one-day intercollegiate charity event to raise funds for humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.
6. UAL must agree to hold an exhibition curated in-part by the UALPSC. Artworks exhibited to focus on the conflict and humanitarian crisis. shown in one of the University’s spaces of the UAL PSC’s choice
Success
1. The Rector will release the following statement through communication channels of the University:
“The University of Arts London deplores violence wherever it occurs and considers access to education, freedom of expression and the role of international law for the people of GAZA (we are hoping to get this changed to Palestine, as Gaza and Israel is not a comparison that makes sense) and Israel to be of fundamental importance”.
2. The University will consider a request from an educational institution in GAZA.
3. The University will explore establishing an ‘international humanitarian’ scholarship.
4. The University will support activities, including the use of appropriate space and promotion, for fundraising and exhibitions to aid humanitarian relief efforts in GAZA. The exhibition will take place in the first week in June (provisionally) and coincide with a fundraisng for Gaza week, with gigs etc. The money will go to the DEC appeal.
Negotiation
26th February 2009
The occupiers post up the demands they won.
25th February 2009
The occupiers accept the offer and end the occupation.
The occupiers enter into further talks.
Nigel Carrington sends the occupiers another letter. The university offers to circulate a statement condemning violence, consider linking with educational establishments in Gaza and setting up a scholarship. They also offer to support fundraising.
Students plan to move to Street Lecture Theater.
24th February 2009
The occupiers meet with the Dean of Students and Director of Student Services, Rob Imseson. He indicated that the University is willing to negotiate and hold talks. He asked them to move from Podium Lecture Theatre to the Street Lecture Theatre but they declined to do so.
23rd February 2009
The university promises there will be no repercussions for occupying.
Students and staff attend a rally, after which the proposed demands are voted on. The occupation begins. The security guards are friendly towards the occupiers.
18th February 2009
The students reply to Nigel Carrington articulating their dissatisfaction with his letter.
The Rector Nigel Carrington replies to their demands - his letter is vague and not what they expected to receive.
11th February 2009
University of the Arts Palestinian Solidarity Campaign (UALPSC) met with Rob Imeson, Dean of Students and two equality and diversity officers to discuss their demands and concerns. UALPSC) felt that the meeting had been productive and an agreement would be reached that would aim to provide humanitarian aid and support to the people Gaza. The students expect to receive further communication from the University.
2nd February 2009
University of the Arts London Palestinian Solidarity Campaign issue their demands to the university.
Support/Events
3rd March 2009
Message of support from Ken Loach
Message of support from Noam Chomsky.
25th February 2009
Indy Media Workshop at 7pm, Screening of Films, Discussions and poster making.
24th February 2009
The occupiers held talks and films throughout the day. Lindsay German, (Stop the War Coalition) came to discuss the situation in the Middle East and how students can help. The day ended with poster painting.
23rd February 2009
University of the Arts London Palestinian Solidarity Campaign holds a rally. Speakers include Tony Benn. Demands are agreed on and the occupation begins.
