Guild forced to U-turn after condemning protestors

The Guild released a statement yesterday condemning the suspension of five students for their involvement in what was supposed to be a ‘peaceful protest’ back in January.

The statement called for the revoking of the remaining two suspensions, known to be Kelly Rogers and Simon Furse.

It said: “The Guild opposes the suspension of five University of Birmingham students following the demonstration on 29th January 2014, and the continued suspension of two of those students; a position supported by Guild Council on 20th February 2014. The Guild calls on the University to immediately reinstate the remaining two students.”

This comes after they previously condemned the actions of the protesters on the 29th January, which included vandalising university buildings and throwing smoke bombs.

The previous statement said: “The Guild is extremely disappointed with the action at today’s demonstration. As previously stated, the Guild will only support lawful direct action and peaceful protest. We wish to reiterate that this was not a Guild organised protest nor is the Guild affiliated to the campaign group, Defend Education.”

Aftermath of the protest

The statement yesterday was released in line with a mandate approved at Guild council, submitted by Deborah Hermanns, who is currently running for Vice-President Education, and was one of the five who were suspended.

Didn’t think Deborah would want to be in a confined space anytime soon

Deborah’s statement slams the University for only allowing protests which it agrees with, claiming that the suspension has been detrimental to their welfare.

Last night Kelly Rogers wrote on the BhamGuild Pres Ident’ Facebook wall revealing how the lack of support by the Guild was responsible for the government failing to support them and their rights.

She said: “To clarify why I’m so upset — I have been suspended from my course for 5 weeks, and the University have barely even started an investigation into me, let alone shown me *any* evidence.

“My student loan has been stopped – because I am officially on a ‘leave of absence’ according to University records, and I am soon not going to be able to afford my rent. I am being denied counselling services by University managers (Chris Twine refused my entry onto campus for these purposes today in writing) despite me being advised to seek it out by my doctors.

She also added: “My situation is extremely dire, and very soon I will reach the point where coming back to finish my degree this year will not be at all feasible.”

Poppy, with her poppy in a tub of poppies.

The statement has been released whilst Guild President, Poppy Wilkinson, is on leave from her position, campaigning in the guild elections.