Occupy protest at Brookes continues tonight

3:52pm Thursday 19th April 2012 in News Photograph of the Author By Fran Bardsley, covering Education, East Oxford and Cowley. Call me on 01865 425439

PROTESTERS at Oxford Brookes University are tonight preparing for their second night under canvas.

About 25 students, calling themselves Occupy Brookes, put up tents and banners at the university's Gipsy Lane campus yesterday to protest against tuition fee rises and the university's fee waiver and bursary package.

It is understood only eight camped at the site last night but about 13 are expected to stay there tonight.

Ivana Popov, 21, an English and anthropology student, was among them.

She said: “It really looks as if we are going to stay here indefinitely and just wait for the numbers to grow.

“It's really chilled, a few people are doing their essays in the tents because everyone's got loads of work at the moment, and some are sitting around chatting.”

Miss Popov said she planned to go to East Oxford open mic night Catweazle tonight to invite others to join the protest.

The university toilets were left open for protesters to use, and the canteen provided free sandwiches and hot drinks for those taking part.

Between 30 and 40 people have been involved so far.

The occupation has got the backing of the Green party, with two of the city council candidates coming to support the campers.

It also attracted the attention of the university's pro vice-chancellor of student experience, John Raftery, who said on twitter: “#Brookes students making their voices heard.

“They prefer bursaries to fee waivers. If you support, then tweet to #occupybrookes”

Comments (6)

4:42pm Thu 19 Apr 12

Christine Hovis says...

It may be outside the front entrance of Brookes, but it's on Gispy Lane, You can hardly see it from the main road, it's not exactly St Pauls...

How long is the offer of free sandwiches open for though?
It may be outside the front entrance of Brookes, but it's on Gispy Lane, You can hardly see it from the main road, it's not exactly St Pauls... How long is the offer of free sandwiches open for though? Christine Hovis

4:45pm Thu 19 Apr 12

CowleyBoy says...

I do hope they don't all get soaking wet in the rain....ha ha
I do hope they don't all get soaking wet in the rain....ha ha CowleyBoy

5:44pm Thu 19 Apr 12

Dilligaf2010 says...

"The occupation has got the backing of the Green party,".....
.....that'll make a huge difference then :)
"The occupation has got the backing of the Green party,"..... .....that'll make a huge difference then :) Dilligaf2010

7:36pm Thu 19 Apr 12

dave from witney says...

Dossers with a drink budget. The genuine students are back at home or in their digs swatting.
Dossers with a drink budget. The genuine students are back at home or in their digs swatting. dave from witney

3:36pm Fri 20 Apr 12

Abingdon_born_Cowley says...

We have a simple choice. We pay for most or all of the cost of a student studying at University, by making getting to university more difficult and limit courses to those that have a distinct advatage to the country and its economy, or we keep it as it is, charge up to £9k per year (on repayments that don't cripple you) and give young people the choice as to whether a university education is going to be worth the investment.
We have a simple choice. We pay for most or all of the cost of a student studying at University, by making getting to university more difficult and limit courses to those that have a distinct advatage to the country and its economy, or we keep it as it is, charge up to £9k per year (on repayments that don't cripple you) and give young people the choice as to whether a university education is going to be worth the investment. Abingdon_born_Cowley

12:10am Mon 23 Apr 12

DoctorBob says...

dave from witney wrote:
Dossers with a drink budget. The genuine students are back at home or in their digs swatting.
....flies?
[quote][p][bold]dave from witney[/bold] wrote: Dossers with a drink budget. The genuine students are back at home or in their digs swatting.[/p][/quote]....flies? DoctorBob

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