From Socialist Worker…
Students at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London have occupied the Brunei Gallery Suite in protest at a Ministry of Defence exhibition being held there and in solidarity with the people of Gaza.
UPDATE: The students scored victory…
Students at the School of Oriental and African Studies (Soas) occupying the Brunei Gallery in solidarity with Gaza have declared victory after winning significant demands from the university management.
These include an agreement that there will be no military on campus without prior consultation with the student union. A motion passed yesterday by the student union opposes all military presence on campus. It stands for the next five years.
The occupying students will also have exclusive use of the gallery space until end of day Friday. This time will be used to hold meetings on issues related to Israel’s assault on Gaza, such as boycotting Israeli goods and Israeli war crimes. Tariq Ali is already confirmed to speak at the space tomorrow.
University authorities have also agreed that students will be able use the lecture Theater and gallery for their own use throughout the year. Previously the rooms cost £1,000 to hire for a day – though the Ministry of Defence got it for free.