At a mass meeting of nearly 100 students and education workers last night (18.11.10) called by Leeds Uni Students’ Union, three members of the Executive appeared to distance themselves from the decisive walkout action agreed by students at a meeting the previous week.
Despite the national walkout gaining unprecedented support from schools, colleges, and unis across the country – including several in Leeds – the executive members instead would only commit to supporting a ‘Day Of Action‘.
The non-committal attitude on display last night contrasted with the militant mood of the audience which included a substantial number of lecturers and staff from both universities, and with the support for militant action agreed with LUU president at a constructive meeting last week.
Regardless, the apathy and timidness demonstrated by certain sabbatical officers over the past week merely serves to highlight how radicalised and prepared for action the students are.
The meeting heard from a girl at a school in north Leeds who announced a walkout from her school to loud applause from the room. The display of initiative and passion from so many young students was inspiring – as was the presence of a new level of teachers and support workers. Leeds Met UCU branch passed a statement standing against the victimization of student protesters involved in the occupation of Tory HQ.
After much discussion of support for students who face penalisation if they were involved in a walk-out the meeting addressed the pressing decisions still to be made.
A rough timetable outline has been agreed, but many important issues remain to be resolved.
Although the meeting created a greater sense of urgency and frustration than last week, it also demonstrated a qualitative shift in the nature of the support for action.
Students and workers need to continue joining up to co-ordinate action on campus and nationally. Young people have shown that they are in the vanguard of struggle against the Con-Dem cuts – student activists everywhere commend the outspoken support offered by teaching unions, but now we must unite words with actions.
The 24th is the chance to do this. Many lecturers spoke of their efforts to get time off to allow themselves and their students to attend the demonstration. This is an area which LUU also needs to bring its weight to bear on university management.
There will be meetings of anti-cuts groups across Leeds on Monday to co-ordinate plans in the final run-up to Wednesday.
Join thousands of other students taking the defence of education out of the schools and onto the streets. We will join with academic and support staff from our unis as well as workers facing threats to their own jobs and services.
Lets use 24.11.10 to send a message that young people understand the true nature of the Con-Dems cuts agenda, and that we are prepared to stand shoulder to shoulder with all the other sections of society who face a devastating attack on their services and living conditions.
No to fees, for free education!
No public sector cuts, defend the welfare state!
All out on 24.11.10!
