Students at UoN occupy the Trent Building in support of strikes

Following displays of student-staff solidarity at universities across the country, a group of students from the University of Nottingham have peacefully occupied the Trent building today to show solidarity with striking staff.

The students organised themselves in a group on Facebook called 'UoN Student-Staff Solidarity Occupation' where they posted the following video citing their motivation behind the occupation.

The video condemns Vice Chancellor Shearer West, for having been 'notably absent from the picket lines' and 'not engaging with protestors who assembled in the courtyard on the 9th of March.'

The students and staff group have posted two videos already explaining in detail each demand of theirs, with the four last videos set to be released later taoday.

According to the group, West's choice to remain 'practically silent' and not support staff on the issue was a 'major reason for occupying part of the trent building.'

The students have made the following demands on their Facebook page:

The group have criticised the marketisation of higher education, urging not for the reimbursment of tuition fees, but for a more community driven approach that would see the money redirected to the student hardship foundation.

By physically occupying the Trent Building, the students want 'to bring the reality of the situation to [Shearer West's] doorstep' and are 'hoping she will climb out of her shell and support the strike.'

As it stands, Shearer West has not spoken to the students regarding their demands and they will be continuing the occupation until the strike ends.