By Coral Harding, University of East London Student Union women's officer and Campaign for Free Education
Almost 100 students occupied the UEL Vice-Chancellor's offices on 29 April in protest at plans to make cuts in the university's graphic fine arts department. Proposals to cut teaching hours directly have been beaten back by a joint campaign of the student union and the lecturer's union, but the administration still proposes to make major reductions in teaching provision by merging a number of different single honours courses.
After a core of activists met in the University square, marched to and took control of the VC's suite, they were joined by an influx of supporters from the libraries and bars. The occupation ended voluntarily after about 24 hours, but activists are planning further meeting to discuss a continued campaign of action.
Direct action like the UEL occupation can stop further attacks, both by university administrations and the Government, and begin to reshape our education system in students' and workers' interests. Activists who want to co-ordinate such action nationally should get involved in the CFE.
