From: owner-class@gla.ac.uk on behalf of David Newall[SMTP:POSTBOX@GLASGOW.AC.UK]
Sent: 23 February 2011 14:18:59
Subject: Student Occupation
Importance: High
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Dear Student


On 1st February 2011 students occupied the old Hetherington Research Club, University Gardens, to protest
about a range of issues including support for re-opening the Hetherington Research Club, supporting the
Egyptian uprising and supporting the Anti Cuts protests.


The University management supports the rights of students to peaceful protest and agreement was reached with
the students and staff occupying the space in relation to basic Health and Safety issues and freedom of
access.


Those occupying the building stated that they would police the space to ensure no criminal acts were
committed.


On 2nd February, a door was forced open from the occupied building into the adjacent Arts and Humanities
building. Damage was caused to University property. This was repaired at Public expense.


Those organising the occupation once again gave a firm undertaking that no further criminal acts would be
committed.


On 3rd February a member of Security staff intervened to deflect a drunk and aggressive man from entering the
occupied building. The Security Officer was punched and knocked to the ground as a result of this
intervention.


On 12th February, a number of students surrounded, intimidated, confined and abused a fellow student visitor
to the campus. Security staff once again required to intervene to prevent a more serious incident occurring.


On 21st February, staff within the Arts and Humanities building once again reported that the adjoining door to
the occupied building had been forced open from within the occupied building and five Arts and Humanities
locked doors had been forced open or badly damaged, locks smashed and a fire extinguisher had been discharged.
Signs were torn from walls and doors and paperwork strewn about.


As a result of this criminal act the Police have been contacted and they are now actively making enquiries to
identify those responsible.


Following this escalation of events staff working in proximity to the occupied building have written to
University management to express their concern at the climate of fear for some staff working near to the
occupied building.


As a result of all of the circumstances outlined above, today the University management have asked the
students to conclude the occupation and leave the Hetherington.


The management of the University has supported the right of staff and students to protest effectively but
peacefully and within the law. A small minority of protestors have repeatedly failed to do so.


The protest is now affecting the safety and wellbeing of our staff and students.


It is hoped that the occupiers will consider the views of others and end their protest in a dignified fashion.


The management of the University is examining all options to end the occupation.



David Newall

Secretary of Court