Motivation for occupation

When The Stand arrived we found a group of three students with two tents who assured us that their fellow protestors would be showing up later to join the festivities. Good St Andrews students always go to their lectures before bringing down any system.

According to one protestor, “We’re a leaderless group of students committed to using non-violent direct action against undemocratic and unjust University management policy…..  We demand that the University reduce the RUK fees that make St Andrews the most expensive university in Europe, but also increase democracy within decision making bodies.”

A University spokesperson commented, “We are not a wealthy institution… quite simply, we cannot afford not to charge £9,000 per annum. We recognise, however, that this is a significant change for our RUK students and to mitigate its impact we are introducing a comprehensive bursary and scholarship programme in order to ensure that those qualified to attend St Andrews will be able to afford to do so.” He added that, “since the announcement of £9k fees, it is important to note that applications to St Andrews from RUK students have increased by 17.9%.”

Unfortunately, the protestors have not followed The Stand’s advice about always supplying cupcakes at their events.