Student protest Photo Mark SU Harvey
Hands off Hastings now!
Over the last few weeks, members of the Students’ Union, Unison and UCU, along with students and members of the community have been working to get the University of Brighton (UoB) to reverse its decision to close the Hastings campus. We have also been coming together to discuss how to move the campaign forward – and we’ve got lots planned. Tom Foy, student community project coordinator (Democracy & Campaigns) at the University of Brighton Students’ Union writes about the upcoming events – and asks us to spread the word.
Over the next few weeks, we have a number of events which we need as many people to attend as possible. Please could you share these as widely as possible amongst your friends and colleagues, in person or over social media.
On Thursday 28 April UCU (University and College Union), Unison and Brighton Students’ Union staged a small picket of the university’s conference on widening participation at Varley Halls. Flyers were distributed to attendees detailing the university’s betrayal of its widening participation objectives in Hastings.
Wednesday 4 May, 7.30pm: Stop the Closure of the University of Brighton’s Hastings Campus Open Meeting, Azur at the Marina Pavilion
This is a meeting that has been organised by representatives from UCU, Unison and Brighton Students’ Union to discuss the proposed closure of the Hastings campus. The aim of this event is to highlight the progress of the campaign and to remind UoB that Hastings will not simply lie down.
Speakers include: Councillor Peter Chowney, (leader Hastings Borough Council), Mark Abel (UCU), Carole Chick (Unison), Ré Poko (University of Brighton Students Union).
Friday 6 May, 7.30am – Lobby of University Board of Governors, Mithras House, Brighton
The Board of Governors will be having their first meeting since the last one, where they took the decision to close the Hastings campus. Staff and students’ unions will be lobbying the governors outside the meeting to encourage them to consider alternatives for the future of higher education in Hastings.
Saturday 14 May – Public Demonstration, Hastings
We will be holding a big public rally with speakers and a procession around the town. This is open to all and hopefully gives those in the community who support the campaign, but haven’t made any marches yet due to work commitments, a chance to turn out and shout up! Lots of noise, lots of colour and lots of dressing up strongly encouraged. More information will be shared as soon as possible.
Updated information
We are compiling all of our media coverage, statements and events on one website to make it easier for you to find information about the campaign. The website will be populated over the coming days with lots of great content.
How can I support the campaign?
Sign and share the petition.
Join the Facebook group.
Use the hashtag on Twitter #HandsOffHastings to share your pictures or comments.
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