Community service threat to 'UCL 13' protesters - students could do hard labour or pay legal bill

Published: 21 April 2011
by TOM FOOT

STUDENTS who occupied University College London (UCL) buildings during a row over government cuts to education funding could be forced into chain gang-style labour on campus – or be hit by a massive legal bill.

The group, dubbed the “UCL 13”, have been told to choose between entering into a programme of “community service” or face “more serious disciplinary action” after they seized control of the university’s registry offices in support of striking teachers in March.

The punishment – which would involve hours of gardening, painting or cleaning public buildings – is normally handed down in a court of law to criminals.

Michael Chessum, students’ union education and campaigns officer at the university, criticised UCL for embarking “on a campaign of political victimisation against those in the occupation”.

Students have taken over the university’s buildings three times since November in protest at cuts and UCL want to make an example of the group to deter further demonstrations. On the latest occasion, they withdrew after four days when UCL bosses threatened to take the matter to the High Court.

No damage to property was caused but the university incurred legal costs and a spokeswoman said the occupation was “particularly disruptive” adding that students were “unable to collect bursary and hardship cheques, to access disability services, or to deal with exam timetable queries”.

The UCL spokeswoman added: “We would offer them the opportunity to undertake community service rather than being pursued for costs. The nature of that community service is still under discussion.

“There are no grounds for suggesting that the university is seeking to victimise anyone. Legal and other costs will run into thousands of pounds.”

Police were called in to investigate possible “criminal damage” after chalk messages appeared on university walls following a bigger occupation in December. No charges were brought.