UQ rally against restructure
BRISBANE — More than 150 students and staff rallied in the Great Court at the University of Queensland on April 12 to oppose the planned restructure of the UQ arts faculty. Protesters condemned the corporatisation of higher education and called for publicly funded free education for all.
Speakers, including representatives from the student union, academic staff and Resistance, spoke out against the executive dean of arts' plan to fold 11 existing departments into four "financially viable" schools. This would result in general staff numbers being slashed by 20% and less profitable courses being subject to "review". Angry students demanded the restoration of the $400,000 cut from the arts faculty budget over the last two years.
Chanting "Student needs, not corporate greed, save arts now!", protesters marched to the vice-chancellor's and the executive dean of arts' offices. Prevented by security from delivering their demands, students left a list in each office, giving the university administration one week to respond before further action is taken.
A student general meeting will be held on April 19 to decide the next step in the campaign.