Goldsmiths students who took over Deptford Town Hall in an anti-racism protest have ended their 137-day occupation after reaching an agreement with the University.
Goldsmiths Anti-Racist Action group has left the building after its occupation began on March 12 following alleged racist abuse of a candidate in the student elections.
The group has now launched an international call for students around the world to “challenge institutional racism at their universities and colleges.”
After GARA was served a court summons last week, the group finally reached an agreement with the University’s senior management team after 10 hours of talks.
The activists have been in the Town Hall since March
In a statement posted on Facebook, GARA said: “We end the occupation having forced [senior management team] to commit to a serious programme of activity and support for BAME students, workers and the local community.”
It added: "The occupation may be over, but for GARA, this is just the beginning."
The activists listed a series of demands at the beginning of their campaign, including a strategic plan to tackle racism on campus and the removal of statues of figures that are considered “colonisers.”
The group also called for support staff including security guards and cleaners to be brought in-house as employees of the university.
The University has drawn up a list of commitments it has made in response to the occupation, including a £500,000 cash injection to improve services for BAME students at Goldsmiths.
Its senior management team has promised to introduce training for all members of staff on race awareness while committing to hiring more support staff for counselling and wellbeing services.
In an open letter to students and staff, acting warden Professor Elisabeth Hill wrote: “[GARA] have provided us with a wake-up call to take action by sharing their experience and insight.
“We must also accept the deep frustration these students felt, to the point where direct action became the only way they felt their voices would be heard.
“For an institution with the values of Goldsmiths, this was not acceptable. We are listening and responding now.”
A University spokesman said: “We are pleased that we can now ensure the building’s vital teaching space is ready for the start of the academic year in September.
“We have listened to the issues raised by the protesters and committed to a comprehensive action plan addressing issues of racial justice and will be working hard to improve the experiences of our BME students and staff.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here