STUDENT activists are occupying part of a campus building "in solidarity" with strike action by staff.
Students at the University of Sussex have occupied a section the Jubilee building, including a lecture hall, in support of the University and Colleges Union (UCU), who are striking over pay.
The activists are also protesting Sussex University's "lack of meaningful commitment to liberated higher education", including a "failure to provide proper support for staff".
Protesters from Sussex Renters' Union said: "None of these demands are unreasonable, unworkable, or unaffordable - despite what our Vice Chancellors keep expecting us to believe - and all must be met for universities to be equal, fair, and even functional places of growth and learning.
"Instead, our institutions are becoming isolating, discriminatory, and unsafe environments, where executives earning massive six-figure salaries partner with outsourcing giants to squeeze students for every penny they can get."
@rentstrikeUoS we couldn't let you have all the fun 😘
— 🏕Sussex Renters’ Union (@SussexRU) February 21, 2022
Keep an eye on this twitter for photos, updates, shitposting and vibes from the occupation. We're here to stay.
Check out our statement for the serious stuff xoxo pic.twitter.com/UPbXs71h6F
Video from the scene shows makeshift barricades with chairs and plants, as well as anarchist banners and a sign that says "queers for strikes".
An image posted by protesters also shows a statement to the activists by director for the student experience Jayne Aldridge, which accused the students of "unlawful entry to the premises".
It said: "We understand that you wish to make a point and you have but you are disrupting the education of hundreds of your fellow students in taking this action."
The statement warned the students they had an hour to vacate the premises or the university will take "disciplinary action against everyone known to be involved".
@SussexUni using intimidation tactics against our occupiers after 2 hours?? No time stamp!? Didn't even bother to hand it to us personally?? U ok hun? pic.twitter.com/grRiQSoru9
— 🏕Sussex Renters’ Union (@SussexRU) February 21, 2022
In response, the activist group accused the university of "intimidation tactics".
A spokesman for the University of Sussex said: "A small number of people have unlawfully entered and locked themselves inside one of the lecture theatres on our campus.
"We have temporarily moved online any lectures due to take place there, while we consider what further action to take."
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