Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/454/5452
From The Socialist newspaper, 14 September 2006
Students:
Don't sign 'good behaviour' contracts
THOUSANDS OF university students are being forced to sign "good behaviour" contracts. At Oxford and Chester universities contracts have been introduced where a breach of regulations can result in expulsion.
Matt Dobson, Socialist Students National Co-ordinator
The regulations outline codes of practice about student’s conduct and studies. The National Union of Students (NUS) have condemned these contracts on the basis that they offer poor customer service.
Of course Socialist Students believe that charging £3,000 a year for top-up fees and burdening students with huge debts is making education a privilege for the rich only and that students have the right to demand free fully funded education.
However the NUS leadership have shown themselves to be incapable of organising mass opposition to New Labour’s attacks and offer no strategy for fighting their latest onslaught.
The implications of the contracts are wider than simply offering a poor education service. As there are provisions for "good behaviour" this will be used against student activists campaigning, organising and demonstrating on campuses. Already in many colleges and universities Socialist Students have to defend their democratic rights against university managements.
The contracts are completely one-sided in favour of the greedy vice-chancellors, there are no clauses on their conduct and there are provisions to allow them to cut departments, close courses and facilities in the middle of the year.
NUS should be giving a fighting lead against these attacks on our democratic rights and education. Socialist Students calls for a mass campaign against the signing of these contracts to be organised across campuses.
Why not click here to join the Socialist Party, or click here to donate to the Socialist Party.
In The Socialist 14 September 2006:
Socialist Party NHS campaign
NHS Logistics workers vote to strike against privatisation
Our prescription - a socialist NHS!
Opposition forces Trusts to retreat
Socialist Party campaigns
Globalisation - what it is and how to fight it!
Campaigning against the far-right BNP
Don't sign 'good behaviour' contracts
Socialist Party workplace news and analysis
Blair's last TUC conference - good riddance!
Public sector workers' anger gets a hearing
Build the campaign to save Burberry
Agency workers vote 100% for union recognition
International socialist news and analysis
Calderon confirmed as president but opposition protests continue
Brutal attack by company thugs on CWI members in Almata
Home | The Socialist 14 September 2006 | Join the Socialist Party
Join us today!
Printable version
email to friend
