University of Glasgow students occupy

Submitted by Matthew on 9 February, 2011 - 2:44

On Tuesday 1 February, students at the University of Glasgow went into occupation in order to save the Hetherington Research Club and prevent the university management from converting it into office space.

The club, which was closed in February last year, catered for mature students, post-graduates, international students and staff members, providing them with a valuable social space in which to exchange ideas and engage in group study.

The club also regularly hosted meetings of various student societies and a number of popular club nights. The Hetherington, which first opened its doors in 1954, was the only establishment of its kind in Scotland and was much loved by Glasgow students and people in the wider community. The club’s closure was a bitter blow to the Glasgow student body, especially to those students who lost their jobs in the club’s bars and kitchens.

It was felt that an occupation and reopening under student control should take place before the rest of the club was converted to other uses. The club is is providing a space from which to organise against the redundancies and cuts currently being enforced by the university management, headed by Professor Anton Muscatelli, who is paid £283,000 per year.

The occupiers’ demands are that the Hetherington be returned to its former role as a space for post-grad and mature students. They are also campaigning against any cuts to courses, teaching budgets and against all redundancies at the university and against the wider cuts in education and for free education for all. If you or your student unions are engaged in similar struggles or you just want to show your support then please send any donations and messages of solidarity to: The Free Hetherington Club, 13 University Gardens, Glasgow, G12 8QQ.

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