A rather different University of Sussex than the one I recounted on my visit in January for an event dedicated to Roger Silverstone (and the naming of a new Silverstone Building on campus). The riot police shown in the clip embody the University’s apparently heavy-handed philosophy around how to respond to student protest. Students were occupying the administrative headquarters of the University to protest against cuts and staff redundancies, which will number at least 115 in the first instance.

Six students, some in final year, have apparently been suspended by the Vice Chancellor for their alleged involvement in the protest. The VC has also obtained a court injunction that will prevent any unauthorised student protest on campus. You can find a petition against the VC’s decision to suspend the students, as well as further information on the Defend Sussex blog.