Queen’s students occupied their president’s office Monday, saying that if the university does not meet their demands it can expect much more of the same in the very near future.
The occupation by four students—slated to continue until at least week’s end—is protesting the university’s request for the province to abolish rules that presently only allow them to raise tuition at the rate of inflation. Queen’s wants to be able to raise undergraduate tuition at least 10 per cent for each of the next four years, bringing fees up to $5,900.
“Our message is definitely getting across. We’ve gotten so much feedback and support,” said Sarah Miller, a first year Arts student who is participating in the occupation. “I don’t see how they can ignore our seriousness and dedication.”
Leggett said he’s not about to concede to any demands, but added he has no plans to ask the students to leave. Although power to the office has been cut, Leggett said the students have a right to express their beliefs, even if that means locking themselves inside his office.
“This is a place of open debate. We’re going to do nothing to hinder this. We understand from time to time that they need a pulpit to do this from.”
Leggett dismissed allegations that the university has refused to discuss the issue of deregulation with students.
“Students have a right to protest. I don’t think this one will be terribly effective.…. You get change though dialogue,” added Bob Silverman, the Dean of Arts and Science. However, when asked about last winter’s referendum, where 91 per cent of Queen’s students voted against deregulation, he said, “The question was the same as asking if you want your taxes raised. Who in their right mind would answer yes? Besides, universities are not democracies. They’re complex organizations,” continued Silverman, on why the referendum wasn’t binding.
The university shut down power to the office on Tuesday when the students used the office’s supplies and fax machines to print communiqués, and refused the opportunity to have the office’s staff remove the equipment. “They framed it as a threat to security,” said Miller.
The students brought food and water to help them survive the weeklong occupation, and are using cell phones to communicate with the outside. The Kingston branch of the Ontario Public Interest Research Group (OPIRG) is accepting donations and solidarity messages to help the students get through the protest.
Some of the demands of the group are a tuition freeze, and that all future tuition fee raises be put to a binding student referendum. They also asked that Leggett formally rescind his December request to the Ontario government that Queen’s be able to deregulate tuition on a “test case” basis.
The Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) extended full support to the occupying students. “The occupation is an important step towards building momentum and support among students,” said Rick Tulfer, National Executive Representative of the CFS. He suggested that students at U of T can support the fight against deregulation by sending donations and messages of support to students though OPIRG Kingston, and by getting involved in the February 6th National Student Day of Action to freeze tuition fees. University of Toronto’s Students’ Administrative Council also supports the students at Queen’s. “I think they’re challenging their university’s administration, which seems intent on pushing deregulation. I think it’s a bad thing because statistics show it limits access. After a certain point, people with a lower income don’t go to university, if tuition gets too high,” said SAC president Alex Kerner. Kerner also suggested that students participate in the February 6th protests to fight against the possibility of deregulation at U of T.
—with files from David Leibl
