URN

Protesting Against the Privatisation of Student Loans

A group of Nottingham students gathered outside Trent Building this afternoon to protest against the planned privatisation of student loans.

Our reporter, Caitlin, first explained a bit about the issue, and why students might be concerned by it.

'The Pulse' also spoke to a protestor, who explained more about what he hopes today's actions will achieve.

Next, we talked about our views on the issue.

We then spoke to two students who didn't agree with the protests.

Finally, we discussed our thoughts on some of the issues which these students raised.

One listener, Duncan, had this to say:

"Free education is the ideal. Stopping the privatisation is the campaign, and a demand that could possibly be won in the short term." He added that at here at the University of Nottingham, students have been "campaigning about this since November, we just haven't been noticed as much until this."

Four motions were debated at the SU Council this evening as proposed changes to our Students' Union were debated amongst students and officers. It was a council of 18 randomly selected students who ultimately had the deciding vote. One of the most controversial motions debated at the SU Council was the proposed boycott of The Sun and The Daily Star on campus as these papers include page 3.

The motion was proposed by UoN Feminist society. URN spoke to co-chairs of the society, Jo Estrin and Francesca Garforth about their reasons for proposing the boycott.

Jo and Francesca argued for their motion in front of a randomly selected committee of 18 students who asked a variety of questions. The SU Officers were present and all gave their support although they were not able to vote. The Council of randomly selected students are given this democratic role and they voted 15 to 3 in favour of the motion. The boycott of both newspapers is in effect as of tomorrow morning and will remain in place until page three is revoked.

URN spoke to Jo and Francesca about how they think the council went and the impact the boycott will have for students here at the University of Nottingham.