Mass protests over Liverpool University closure plans

Mar 12 2009 by Marc Waddington, Liverpool Daily Post

MORE than 600 protesters turned out in force to oppose University of Liverpool plans to axe four of its key departments.

Their demonstrations co-incided with the meeting of the university’s Senate, which gathered to discuss plans to scrap its politics, communications, philosophy and statistics departments.

And the objectors’ calls have been echoed by council bosses, who fear homegrown students who cannot afford to study in other cities will be denied an education.

Present and past students, lecturers and union officials made angry protests against the university’s decision to put the departments in line for closure on the basis their research output did not meet the university’s “exceptional standards.”

As they arrived, some Senate members drew cheers as they raised their fists in salute of the protesters’ cause while those who failed to show their support were met with angry jeers.

Although the Senate voted 81 to 62 not to withdraw the plans, it voted to amend the proposals so that it “might” scrap the departments.

The original proposal stated that the institution “should” move to close them.

Dr Fionnghuala Sweeney, vice-president of the lecturers’ union the UCU, said: “We welcome the stay of execution, but are disappointed the vice-chancellor refused to put our motion outright rejecting the proposals to the Senate.

“It will be up to the members here at Liverpool University to decide our next steps, but the university can rest assured that industrial action remains an option.

“It was quite clear that the staff and students are united in fighting the closures.”