Violent Protests are Shameful

Trade union activities in our country have recently focused on the Higher Education (HE) sector, complaining of the real terms wage cut over several years. Campaigners seeking to “protect the public university” have staged country-wide protests, including in London and Sussex University. In all its infinite wisdom, Warwick Students’ Union (SU) decided to issue a statement (which has subsequently been taken down) expressing support for the protesters, whilst apparently denouncing violence.

The NUS have also spoken out in favour of the protesters, saying they are “absolutely appalled” by the handling of both protests by the police and university management. The problem with both Warwick SU’s and the NUS’ statements is that they got their facts wrong, and their denouncement of violence looks disingenuous.

Warwick SU repeated the claim that in Sussex, five students were suspended “simply for participating
in peaceful protest”. In stark contrast, Sussex University say that “activities included an alleged assault
of a member of staff when the occupation started…” The SU has an unusual interpretation of the word “peaceful” if it thinks that alleged assault constitutes anything close to a peaceful protest. In fact the statement did a tremendous disservice to the tens of thousands of students who are victims of assault each year.

The problem with both Warwick SU’s and the NUS’ statements is that they got their facts wrong, and their denouncement of violence looks disingenuous.

Warwick SU and the NUS have complained about the policing for the student protests in London, which they deem disproportionate. However, the fact is that two people were arrested for allegedly assaulting a police officer and others were arrested on suspicion of affray. After the 2010 student protests, which were marred by violence, I find it difficult to see how we can blame the police, who are simply trying to keep order whilst some of the protesters appear to be intent on violence.

Yes, it is true that free speech and the right to protest peacefully are imperative. However, no-one has really disputed that and to constantly state the importance of peaceful protest seems to be fighting a straw man. Violent protest is very different and is not acceptable in a civilised society. The protesters who were violent in either the London or the Sussex University protests should be ashamed of themselves for abusing their rights and giving young people a bad press.

Young people are frequently marred in the media and ignored by politicians in part because of their inability to engage with the political process in a proper and respectful way. The NUS and Warwick SU should start by showing real leadership and not providing seemingly unconditional support to violent protests.

[divider]

Header image courtesy of flickr.com/Matt_BaldrY