I'm sorry this has taken so long to send out! We are sending this to everyone who has expressed an interest in the campaign.
We are having our exhibition and charity day at the end of June (provisionally) need contributions, curators etc. We are having a planning meeting for this outside the LCC bar next Friday at 6. Do come along.
Thanks to everyone who came to the picnic!
See you Friday x
Dear all, you are receiving the following message because you signed the petition drafted by the UAL Palestine Solidarity Network or expressed support for the occupation. We feel that it is necessary to send out an email explaining our decision to end the occupation and the concessions granted.
The UAL Palestine Solidarity Network, which occupied Podium Lecture Theatre from Monday the 23rd at 5pm till Wednesday the 25th at 5 pm in solidarity with the Palestinian people. We would like to thank staff and students for their strong levels of support. The campaign has also received support from Noam Chomsky, and many other people from across the country.
On Wednesday we decided that as 4 of our 6 demands had been met we would settle. What we got is by no means perfect and we still have a lot of work to do but we saw the occupation as one step in our campaign. What was really wonderful about the occupation was raising the profile of our cause with other students and staff, and connecting people with similar ideas who are wanting to get involved in politics in university. An end to apathy for UAL!!
1. 'Condemnation of bombings of educational institutions in GAZA'.
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".
We are happy with this statement.
2. 'Links to educational institutions in GAZA'
The University will consider a request from an educational institution in GAZA. This will be subject to the normal processes of scrutiny undertaken by the University with regards to all partnerships and collaboration.
We are in negotiations with 3 possible institutions currently. Once we successfully find an institution to twin with we work further on university management about ethical use of surplus materials.
3. 'Scholarships'
The University will explore establishing an 'international humanitarian' scholarship.
This is the most important of our demands to make sure the management concede with. We are hoping, through the student union, to get this as one scholarship a year on a rolling basis with the first one going to a student from Gaza
4. 'Events and Exhibition'
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.
We did not get divestment from Israeli companies but we have requested under the freedom of information act that they open their books so we can see what companies they do invest in.
We also did not get surplus materials but we will continue working on this.
Yours,
The UAL Palestine Solidarity Network
Thursday 26 February 2009
articles
http://www.artslondonnews.co.uk/index.php?opt=article&siid=9572
http://london.indymedia.org.uk/articles/764
http://london.indymedia.org.uk/articles/754
http://stopwar.org.uk/index.php?option=com_newsfeeds&task=view&feedid=35&Itemid=230
http://www.socialistworker.co.uk/art.php?id=17228
http://occupations.org.uk/
Sending best wishes to all still in occupation: Manchester, Plymouth and Cardiff...
http://london.indymedia.org.uk/articles/764
http://london.indymedia.org.uk/articles/754
http://stopwar.org.uk/index.php?option=com_newsfeeds&task=view&feedid=35&Itemid=230
http://www.socialistworker.co.uk/art.php?id=17228
http://occupations.org.uk/
Sending best wishes to all still in occupation: Manchester, Plymouth and Cardiff...
Wednesday 25 February 2009
UALPSC response to Letter To Rector
In discussing the response, we have had issues over semantics And are now further talks
Letter recieved from 'Nigel Carrington' Rector of The University Of Arts Responce
Further responses to the demands of the UALPSC:
1. 'Condemnation of bombings of educational institutions in GAZA'.
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 and Israel to be of fundamental importance".
2. 'Links to educational institutions in GAZA'
The University will consider a request from an educational institution in GAZA. This will be subject to the normal processes of scrutiny undertaken by the University with regards to all partnerships and collaboration.
3. 'Scholarships'
The University will explore establishing an 'international humanitarian' scholarship.
4. 'Events and Exhibition'
The University will support activities, including the use of appropriate space and promotion, for fundraising and exhibitions to aid humanitarian relief efforts in GAZA.
Nigel Carrington
Rector 25th Feb 2009
1. 'Condemnation of bombings of educational institutions in GAZA'.
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 and Israel to be of fundamental importance".
2. 'Links to educational institutions in GAZA'
The University will consider a request from an educational institution in GAZA. This will be subject to the normal processes of scrutiny undertaken by the University with regards to all partnerships and collaboration.
3. 'Scholarships'
The University will explore establishing an 'international humanitarian' scholarship.
4. 'Events and Exhibition'
The University will support activities, including the use of appropriate space and promotion, for fundraising and exhibitions to aid humanitarian relief efforts in GAZA.
Nigel Carrington
Rector 25th Feb 2009
Viva Viva Palestina
With continued pressure we avail, for how long we cannot say. We need the support of the Students. We need Your voice. Petitions numbers continue to grow. Show our Uni that theses issues matter! That we must make a stand! Palestine is still the issue!
Tonight we will be moving into the Street Lecture Theater. Find us! Join us for Indy Media Workshop @7pm, Screening of Films, Discussions and poster making
NEW MEMBERS WELCOME
UALPSC X VIVA VIVA ualpalestinesolidaritynetwork@googlemail.com
other occupations, in solidarity!
Does anyone have any more to add to the following?St Andrews: http://standrewsunioccupation.wordpress.com/UAL: http://ualpalestinesolidaritynetwork.blogspot.com/Plymouth: http://plymouthunioccupation.blogspot.com/UEL: http://ueloccupation.blogspot.com/Byam Shaw: http://byamshawpeoplesuniversity.blogspot.com/UWE: http://uweoccupation.blogspot.com/Edinburgh: http://edinburghunioccupation.wordpress.com/Goldsmiths: http://goldsmithsoccupation.blogspot.com/UEA: http://ueaoccupation.blogspot.com/Glasgow: http://glasgowunioccupation.blogspot.com/Manchester: http://manunioccupation.wordpress.comStrathcylde: http://strathclydeunioccupation.wordpress.com/Nottingham: http://occupationnottingham.wordpress.com/Sheffield Hallam: http://shuoccupation.blogspot.com/http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=59823934592#/group.php?gid=59823934592QMUL: http://www.queenmaryoccupation.blogspot.com/Bradford: https://publish.indymedia.org.uk/en/2009/01/420448.htmlLSE: http://lseoccupation.blogspot.comEssex: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=45143838671Warwick: http://warwicksolidaritysitin.wordpress.com/KCL: http://kcloccupation.blogspot.comSOAS: http://soassolidarity4gaza.blogspot.com/Manchester Met: http://mmuoccupation.blogspot.com/Oxford: http://occupiedoxford.wordpress.com/Sussex: http://sussexoccupation.blogspot.com/Birmingham: http://birminghamoccupation.wordpress.com/Leeds: http://leedsunioccupation.blogspot.com/Cambridge: http://cambridgegazasolidarity.blogspot.com
Posted by LSEoccupation at 02:12 0 comments
Posted by LSEoccupation at 02:12 0 comments
Tuesday 24 February 2009
Night 2
The occupation has now moved into its second night. Morale remained upbeat throughout the day as we continued to make progress. We have continued to inform the student population of our aims and reasons for our occupation. For the most part the reaction has been positive. We continue to grow in numbers yet we still urge people to get involved and help out. We still need help and support from as many people as possible in order to achieve our aims.
In the morning we had a meeting with the Dean of Students and Director of Student Services, Rob Imseson. While he obviously did not accept our demands immediately he indicated that the University is willing to hold talks with us and negotiate. However, he did seem defensive in his approach and was unable to give us any solid replies. At the end we agreed that we would go back and continue to research how our goals can be achieved in order to present a watertight case to the University.
During the meeting Rob Imeson asked us to move our occupation from the Podium Lecture Theatre to the Street Lecture Theatre. He stated that at our current location we would cause too much of a disruption to the rest of the college. After listening to his request and with some careful deliberation we have decided to remain at our current location. We have stressed throughout the campaign that we are here to promote not disrupt education. We let lectures continue throughout at the day. At the beginning of each lecture we make a short speech explaining what we are doing and why. We then keep a small contingent of people on the stage just to ensure our presence is felt. We do not believe that this impairs either the way students learn, or the way lecturers teach in any way.
We have also realized that the Podium Lecture Theatre has several practical advantages over the Street Lecture Theatre. It is the second largest lecture theatre on the campus thus our presence will be felt by many more people. With our numbers constantly expanding, we will eventually be too many to fit in the smaller Street Lecture Theatre.
Throughout the day we held several events or talks to try and stimulate the interest of our fellow students. Lindsay German, a prominent figure in the Stop the War Coalition came in to discuss the situation in the Middle East and how we as students can help. The discussion was informative and we came away with several new ideas of how we can continue to promote our cause. We also had a film screening. 'Occupation 101' is a film that looks in depth at the current conflict and the roots of its causes. Many people came away assured of their opinions and convictions.
The evening was ended with a quick meeting to organise the following day's events. This was followed by an informal and relaxing poster painting session. At the end of the day everyone was slightly tired but rearing to go.
UALPSC x
YOU WILL NOT BE PUNISHED FOR TAKING PART SO JOIN US AND SUPPORT OUR CAUSE!
In the morning we had a meeting with the Dean of Students and Director of Student Services, Rob Imseson. While he obviously did not accept our demands immediately he indicated that the University is willing to hold talks with us and negotiate. However, he did seem defensive in his approach and was unable to give us any solid replies. At the end we agreed that we would go back and continue to research how our goals can be achieved in order to present a watertight case to the University.
During the meeting Rob Imeson asked us to move our occupation from the Podium Lecture Theatre to the Street Lecture Theatre. He stated that at our current location we would cause too much of a disruption to the rest of the college. After listening to his request and with some careful deliberation we have decided to remain at our current location. We have stressed throughout the campaign that we are here to promote not disrupt education. We let lectures continue throughout at the day. At the beginning of each lecture we make a short speech explaining what we are doing and why. We then keep a small contingent of people on the stage just to ensure our presence is felt. We do not believe that this impairs either the way students learn, or the way lecturers teach in any way.
We have also realized that the Podium Lecture Theatre has several practical advantages over the Street Lecture Theatre. It is the second largest lecture theatre on the campus thus our presence will be felt by many more people. With our numbers constantly expanding, we will eventually be too many to fit in the smaller Street Lecture Theatre.
Throughout the day we held several events or talks to try and stimulate the interest of our fellow students. Lindsay German, a prominent figure in the Stop the War Coalition came in to discuss the situation in the Middle East and how we as students can help. The discussion was informative and we came away with several new ideas of how we can continue to promote our cause. We also had a film screening. 'Occupation 101' is a film that looks in depth at the current conflict and the roots of its causes. Many people came away assured of their opinions and convictions.
The evening was ended with a quick meeting to organise the following day's events. This was followed by an informal and relaxing poster painting session. At the end of the day everyone was slightly tired but rearing to go.
UALPSC x
YOU WILL NOT BE PUNISHED FOR TAKING PART SO JOIN US AND SUPPORT OUR CAUSE!
UAL Occupation
On Monday 23rd February at 5:00pm students and staff from across the University of the Arts London (UAL) attended a rally with speakers; Tony Benn, Chris Nineham (STWC), Mark Howell (Alumni) and Frank McGuiness (LSE student activist). This was met by an overwhelmingly positive response from the majority of those present. At the end of the meeting a vote was cast regarding both support for demands and further action. Approximately 90-95% of those in attendance were in support of the demands and a great deal expressed an active interest to participate in further action.
Subsequently, a number of members have decided to go into immediate occupation of one of the UAL's lecture theaters. The occupied space is based at the LCC campus. Our occupation stems from our sympathy towards the victims of the conflict and in particular fellow students within Gaza. The action to occupy has arisen from the written response from the rector of UAL, Nigel Carrington, that ignored and disregarded our demands. (Please find attached).
Throughout the occupation we will make our presence within the university felt, however we wish to stress our emphasis on the promotion of education and not disruption. We have organised a number of events including speakers, screenings and workshops open to all.
Regards UALPSC
In response to the recent conflict in Gaza, University of the Arts London Palestinian Solidarity Campaign (UALPSC) has formulated six demands which have been issued to University staff and students. These demands aim to raise humanitarian aid, support and awareness. (Please find attached).
Night One
The occupation has begun.
We begun the first night by planning strategies for our campaign. Various tasks are undertaken including poster painting for the lecture theater and college, compiling of e-mail lists and making of fliers.
There is a positive spirit amongst the group. Whilst the university management was cagey (to say to least) by responding in writing to our demands, the security staff have been very friendly and accommodating.
It must be made clear that occupation does not tolerate any aggressive behavior towards the University. We are a peaceful protest and have been promised Amnesty for all those involved.
The Occupation is being held in the Podium Lecture Theater LCC, ELEPHANT & CASTLE. We are taking the stage and remaining here till our demands are met. Our program will include further talks, films, discussions. We are a collection of Art Students and hope that you will be inspired to come and use the space with us.
UALPSC x
YOU WILL NOT BE PUNISHED FOR TAKING PART SO JOIN US AND SUPPORT OUR CAUSE!
Subsequently, a number of members have decided to go into immediate occupation of one of the UAL's lecture theaters. The occupied space is based at the LCC campus. Our occupation stems from our sympathy towards the victims of the conflict and in particular fellow students within Gaza. The action to occupy has arisen from the written response from the rector of UAL, Nigel Carrington, that ignored and disregarded our demands. (Please find attached).
Throughout the occupation we will make our presence within the university felt, however we wish to stress our emphasis on the promotion of education and not disruption. We have organised a number of events including speakers, screenings and workshops open to all.
Regards UALPSC
In response to the recent conflict in Gaza, University of the Arts London Palestinian Solidarity Campaign (UALPSC) has formulated six demands which have been issued to University staff and students. These demands aim to raise humanitarian aid, support and awareness. (Please find attached).
Night One
The occupation has begun.
We begun the first night by planning strategies for our campaign. Various tasks are undertaken including poster painting for the lecture theater and college, compiling of e-mail lists and making of fliers.
There is a positive spirit amongst the group. Whilst the university management was cagey (to say to least) by responding in writing to our demands, the security staff have been very friendly and accommodating.
It must be made clear that occupation does not tolerate any aggressive behavior towards the University. We are a peaceful protest and have been promised Amnesty for all those involved.
The Occupation is being held in the Podium Lecture Theater LCC, ELEPHANT & CASTLE. We are taking the stage and remaining here till our demands are met. Our program will include further talks, films, discussions. We are a collection of Art Students and hope that you will be inspired to come and use the space with us.
UALPSC x
YOU WILL NOT BE PUNISHED FOR TAKING PART SO JOIN US AND SUPPORT OUR CAUSE!
Wednesday 18 February 2009
Our response to the university 16/02/09
This statement is written in light of the recent letter submitted to the University of the Arts Palestinian Solidarity Campaign (UALPSC). This letter regards the set of requests given to University of the Arts London (UAL) senior staff and their response to the requests.
UALPSC recently met with Rob Imeson, dean of students, alongside two equality and diversity officers (11/02/09) . The dialogue of this meeting seemed very positive and it was felt that an agreement between UAL and UALPSC could be met. This agreement would essentially aim to provide humanitarian aid and support to the people Gaza. The requests were designed around this aim; please find a copy attached. Rob Imeson then reported back to Nigel Carrington, rector, with the promise that with the promise that a response to our requests would be sent within a week. The response was received this morning.
Upon reviewing the response during today's meeting the UALPSC are dissatisfied with the letter from Nigel Carrington pointing out that it is very ambiguous, vague and inconsistent. The letter, please find attached, does not represent the positive response we have had from the student body and we see it as a backward step in achieving our goals. We feel that the letter essentially aims to scapegoat all responsibility.
The letter barely touches upon 3 of the 6 requests made. It fails to acknowledge requests regarding: a) opening the universities investment books and subjecting it to scrutiny, b) investing in affected Palestinian students by providing scholarships and c) supporting the UALPSC in exhibiting art surrounding the subject.
The demands that it does touch upon are a very poor response and will not suffice for our campaign.
We will continue to petition and will be running events throughout the coming weeks including a talk by Tony Benn, Mark Howell (LCC alumni and photographer who has worked on the subject of Palestine and the West Bank), a student involved in university occupations, Chris Nineham (STWC) and a civilian of Gaza. These will take place on Fri 20 Feb and Mon 23 Feb.
We will also be responding to Nigel Carrington's letter explaining our disappointment.
We also wish to express our aim to promote education and not disrupt it this applies throughout our campaign and to all future events.
Regards
UALPSC
UALPSC recently met with Rob Imeson, dean of students, alongside two equality and diversity officers (11/02/09) . The dialogue of this meeting seemed very positive and it was felt that an agreement between UAL and UALPSC could be met. This agreement would essentially aim to provide humanitarian aid and support to the people Gaza. The requests were designed around this aim; please find a copy attached. Rob Imeson then reported back to Nigel Carrington, rector, with the promise that with the promise that a response to our requests would be sent within a week. The response was received this morning.
Upon reviewing the response during today's meeting the UALPSC are dissatisfied with the letter from Nigel Carrington pointing out that it is very ambiguous, vague and inconsistent. The letter, please find attached, does not represent the positive response we have had from the student body and we see it as a backward step in achieving our goals. We feel that the letter essentially aims to scapegoat all responsibility.
The letter barely touches upon 3 of the 6 requests made. It fails to acknowledge requests regarding: a) opening the universities investment books and subjecting it to scrutiny, b) investing in affected Palestinian students by providing scholarships and c) supporting the UALPSC in exhibiting art surrounding the subject.
The demands that it does touch upon are a very poor response and will not suffice for our campaign.
We will continue to petition and will be running events throughout the coming weeks including a talk by Tony Benn, Mark Howell (LCC alumni and photographer who has worked on the subject of Palestine and the West Bank), a student involved in university occupations, Chris Nineham (STWC) and a civilian of Gaza. These will take place on Fri 20 Feb and Mon 23 Feb.
We will also be responding to Nigel Carrington's letter explaining our disappointment.
We also wish to express our aim to promote education and not disrupt it this applies throughout our campaign and to all future events.
Regards
UALPSC
Nigel Carrington's response to our demands
Dear Students
This letter follows up a meeting which took place last week between you and Rob Imeson, our Dean of Students, in relation to concerns expressed by you as members of the UAL Palestinian Solidarity Group.
I wanted to reassure you that University of the Arts London deplores violence wherever it occurs and considers access to education, freedom of expression and the rule of international law to be of fundamental importance.
We fully support our students in their debate of international humanitarian issues and are very happy for our student societies to arrange meetings and fundraise for charities.
The University does from time to time donate equipment and materials to appropriate charities as part of its sustainability and recycling policy and we are always happy to consider specific requests from overseas institutions. In addition, as you know, the Students Union from time to time provides advice for charity events to raise funds for a variety of domestic and international causes and you should certainly liaise with them if you wish to organise a charity event to raise funds for humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.
With best wishes.
Yours sincerely
Nigel Carrington
Rector
Monday 2 February 2009
UAL PSC List of Demands to the UAL Authorities
Due to the prevalent crisis surrounding the conflict and occupation in Gaza and due to the humanitarian requirements of its people; University of the Arts London students have actively chosen to take a stand against the oppressive actions of Israel.
We have therefore issued a list of demands to be undertaken, with immediate effect, by the University of the Arts London.
The list of demands set up by the UAL PSC (University of the Arts London Palestinian Solidarity Campaign) are as follows:
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.
We have therefore issued a list of demands to be undertaken, with immediate effect, by the University of the Arts London.
The list of demands set up by the UAL PSC (University of the Arts London Palestinian Solidarity Campaign) are as follows:
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.
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