Students join protest against philosophy course cuts (From Times Series)

Students from Middlesex University's Hendon campus join protest against philosophy course cuts

1:47pm Wednesday 19th May 2010 in News By Kevin Bradford

DISGRUNTLED students demonstrated on the streets of Hendon this week against Middlesex University's plans to phase out the philosophy department.

The banner and placard protest was held outside the campus in The Burroughs on Monday before moving on to Hendon Town Hall, ahead of the full annual meeting of Barnet Council.

The students' anger is over the proposals to cut one of the University's best performing courses because it is not regarded as financially viable.

The course is primarily based on the Trent Park campus and a group of philosophy students staged an 11-day sit-in protest earlier this month in opposition to the changes.

Speaking in Hendon on Monday, 35-year-old philosophy graduate Nicola, said: “The course was absolutely fantastic.

“It is one of the most enlightening and constructive courses I have done. To cut it will mean the University loses its reputation. If it axes its best department I don't see where it can go from there.”

About 20 protesters vented their frustration at University bosses with chants of “cut back, fight back” and “No ifs, not buts, no education cuts”.

Johann Hoiby, 22, said the protesters have received a lot of support from across the student body and from lecturers.

He added: “It is ridiculous they are trying to cut the course for no apparent reason.

“The intention of the campaign is to reverse the decision to close the programme. We don't accept any of the reasons behind the closure and we don't feel they can justify it.”

Much of the anger was directed at Professor Michael Driscoll, Vice-Chancellor at the University, who has claimed there is “insufficient demand” and the decision to cut the course was taken having carried out “detailed consultation” with staff.

Following the occupation on the Trent Park campus, he added: ““The University does not underestimate the strength of feeling amongst Philosophy staff and students and their supporters and whilst it recognises their right to free speech, it could not condone this illegal occupation.”

The students have vowed to continue their protest against the cuts via a Facebook campaign, online petition and rallies.