Dear Provost,

We, the undersigned, members of University College London staff, support the students who are currently peacefully occupying the Jeremy Bentham Room, and their right to protest. The occupation has been an open space for discussion about the future of this university and an outstanding example of student engagement and entrepreneurship. We believe that the UCL Management’s unilateral decision to charge and evict students with a court order is not acceptable. It explicitly goes against point 2 of the College Charter, denoting that staff and students are one Body Corporate and Politic. Also, this decision is at odds with UCL’s long standing radical tradition and commitment to progressive education; in particular, equality and free speech. 

As a way of resolving the matter we support a dialogue between the management, students and staff. We urge for more transparency in managerial decisions regarding the matter. We insist that you withdraw the court case against the students immediately.

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