We have had some huge steps forward with our demands, but still have much work to do! Here is a brief update on where we are at:
Our demand that the University should contribute to an Aid Convoy to Gaza- agreed to! We are presently working out what we can send. So far the library has agreed to send books, and we are also trying to get surplus furniture/computers from renovated buildings sent over.
Our demand for a fundraising day- we successfully worked with other societies on campus to put on ‘Children in Conflict Week’. During this week we raised thousands of pounds for the DEC appeal, as well as other charities, put on many succesful events and created a buzz on campus. We reached thousands of students and were able to tell them about the continuingly appalling conditions in Gaza. It also helped us build a even bigger Palestine campaign on campus ready for next year! Congrats to everyone who was involved!
Our demand for scholarships for Gazans has been met! We are now working out the practicalities of the relationship. It should be in place in the new academic year of 2010. The VC even said we made a strong proposal!
Our demand that the University should divest from the arms trade is harder. We are in talks with the University over who they invest in, who they buy from, and who they do research for. So far we have agreed moves to increase transparency of investments. We need to keep up the pressure on this issue, making sure that we oppose any relationship between our Universitry and companies which support the arms industry.
Our demand for a module open for all students on the history of modern Palestine is still being worked on. We do need help on this issue however. Any ideas on favourable academics, of what should be taught, or how we can present this to the University would be much appreciated!
We have working groups set up which look at each of our demands. If you would like to get involved (even if its only just a little bit) then please reply to this thread in the comments section.
From the very first moments of the occupation everyone has had so many good ideas-lets keep this up and make sure that the Palestine campaign goes from strength to strength!
ManUni Occupation - Solidarity with Gaza 
pink said
wow that’s amazing, well done on all the progress thus far, and maintaining the pressure and taking things forward even after the ‘buzz’ of occupying has gone down…