By Ella Brooker and Alice Fletcher
Around 30 students from the University of Sheffield have now occupied 4 university buildings in protest of the proposed closure of the university’s archaeology department.
Before 9am this morning, students occupied the Diamond building at the heart of campus.
In the last week they have also taken over Jessop West, the Hicks buildings and the Arts tower, preventing any lectures from happening in these buildings.
Dan, who co-ordinated the occupations said: “I want students to get angry about us being here, then go
Blackboard inside the Hicks building
home and have a look at the fact the department is getting closed.
“It’s about the commodification of education. It’s about the tuition fees. It’s about the complete devaluing of students.”
It is not just students of archaeology taking part in these protests.
Another anonymous student occupying the Arts Tower said: “I am not an archaeology student, but I have many friends who are.
“Which department is next, because this university has a world-renowned archaeology department and if this is going despite such huge backlash against it, whatever will they do next.”
This protest coincides with the University and College Union staff, who are also currently striking at 68 UK universities for up to 10 days over a long running dispute over pensions and pay.
Ciarha Walters, 19, History student at the University of Sheffield has had all of her lectures and seminars cancelled for two weeks due to these strikes and protests.
Walters said: “I am usually taught in the Arts Tower which is currently occupied. Even though I understand the cause, I am worried that the standard of my work will slip due to missing crucial face to face teaching.”
The president of Sheffield Students union, Evie Croxford said: “We fully respect their legal right to a peaceful protest and appreciate their commitment.
“We feel strongly that higher education across the country can and needs to improve so that our student’s education is no longer disrupted year after year.”
The students protesting are acting independently of the Students Union, however the officer team is regularly checking on their wellbeing.
Miss Croxford said: “Our SU building is open for use as an alternative study space for those impacted.”
When contacting the History department on their views of the occupation, they said that having discussed this with their colleagues, they feel that they are not able to comment.