Uni management attempt to disrupt occupiers by keeping lights on in Heslington Hall

The Heslington Hall occupiers claimed last night that university management attempted to disrupt their protest by not letting them turn off the lights in order to sleep.

Staff and students, currently occupying Heslington Hall in support of the strikes, are pictured below in makeshift blindfolds in order to block out the lights.

However, the occupiers claim that once people started tweeting about the incident, university management backed down to instead turn off the lights and allow the occupiers to sleep.

They intend to stay in Heslington Hall until Friday, when the current industrial action ends.

One of the occupiers, who did not wish to be named, told The Tab: "We are in a relatively privileged position for student occupation compared to the 15 other student occupations.

"Other occupations haven't been allowed delivery of supplies and have had management go back on promises. Security have been more heavy-handed and intimidating to students at other unis. We want to use the platform we have to point out that other occupations haven't enjoyed support of security."

When the occupiers were asked about the kind of things they had done during the occupation, they said: "We have hosted several discussions and skill-sharing events for different crafts. We have also had film screenings and poetry readings as well as a discussion about student activism this afternoon. We also have a good supply of books and uni work to be getting on with."

This morning the occupiers were visited by striking staff, saying: "We are overwhelmed with the support we've had, but want to stress that it is us that should be thanking you – for the work you do every day!"

The occupiers were also asked about how they were managing to go to the toilet and get food.

While other student occupations have been forced to wee in bottles and abseil them out of the rooms they are occupying, the York occupiers have not encountered such issues: "Currently we have access to the toilets downstairs and we have been bowled over by the generosity of students and staff in delivering food."

A University of York spokesperson said: "The occupation has been good-natured and respectful with staff and students getting on well. Students have access to the toilets and water and are able to come and go throughout the period the building is open.

"Throughout the occupation the priority has been the safety and wellbeing of staff, students and visitors. Overnight this means some lights have to be left on in Heslington Hall. Where possible, lights have been dimmed to allow sleeping."

Featured image credit: @UoYOccupy