Student slams Middlesex University for court injunction (From Enfield Independent)

Student slams Middlesex University for court injunction

2:39pm Monday 17th May 2010 in News By Rebecca Lowe

A STUDENT involved in the 11-day sit-in protest against the closure of the Middlesex University philosophy school has slammed managers for their “intimidating and threatening” attitude.

Ali Alizadeh, 33, claims the university acted “unethically” by naming specific people when it sought an injunction to oust them from the building and deliberately created “an atmosphere of fear”.

Philosophy staff and students and campaigners from outside the institution first occupied Mansion House in the Trent Park campus on May 4 after the university announced it planned to phase out the department over two years.

They refused to move for 11 days before finally leaving on Saturday following a High Court injunction.

Mr Alizadeh said: “The injunction named specific people who weren’t even actively involved in the occupation. “They were just picking on random people to intimidate and threaten the whole student body. “They had the option to continue negotiations, but they went for the threatening and intimidating approach, trying to create an atmosphere of fear. “We think this was a very big mistake and it will remain in our memory for a long time.”

Middlesex University is one of dozens to slash courses after the Government announced budget cuts of almost £500 million next year. The university blamed the decision on insufficient demand for places.

In a letter to Middlesex staff on May 14, university vice chancellor Professor Michael Driscoll explained why he sought the injunction. He said: “The continuing occupation of the Mansion building raises serious concerns surrounding health and safety, disruption to the working of the university and costs of security.

“The university does not underestimate the strength of feeling among Philosophy staff and students and their supporters and while it recognises their right to free speech, it could not condone this illegal occupation.”

Paul Manning, security manager at the university, said students had become aggressive towards security staff, causing broken bones and bruising — something the students deny.

He said: “The university had concerns for the welfare of those inside the Mansion building. Fire exits were barricaded and people put themselves at risk by walking onto the roof and leaning out of windows.

“Assaults were committed on security staff by individuals from the protest on entering the Mansion building, resulting in serious injuries including broken bones and severe bruising.”

Mr Manning said police were called last Tuesday and Wednesday and two security staff had to visit GPs and two went to hospital, one by ambulance.

He said police confirmed the protesters had committed common assault but because individuals could not be identified, no charges could be brought.

The students have vowed to continue their protest against the cuts via a Facebook campaign, online petition and rallies.