UEA’s Student Newspaper
Issue 288 • Free • Tuesday 5 November
@Concrete_UEA /ConcreteNewspaper ConcreteUEA
Inside...
UEA restricts student’s ability to protest
“Shantay you stay” How drag culture changed the fashion world Fashion V. 8
Interview: Simon Singh We talk Homer Simpson with the mathmetician Science & Tech P. 15
Reflektor: the verdict
We get our hands on Arcade Fire’s new album Music V. 7
Elliot Folan News Reporter Changes to the wording of university behaviour regulations have been condemned by the Union of UEA Students (UUEAS) as having a “chilling effect” on the ability of students to protest, although the university calls this a “misunderstanding” and says that nothing substantial has changed. The changed regulations, which outline behaviours that the university considers worthy of disciplinary action, were brought to the attention of the student union on Tuesday 22 October, and after protests from students the university has promised to review them. Concrete understands that the regulation changes would explicitly make students liable for disciplinaries if they cause “loss of funds” to a visitor to the university or visiting company; if they incite other students to actions that
breach the regulations; if they behave in an “intimidating, threatening or abusive manner” to visitors; or if they hinder or disrupt visitors to the University. The University argues that the changes merely “seek to clarify what action might be taken in such cases”, but critics claim that the changes would make it virtually impossible to engage in peaceful political protest without being disciplined. Chris Jarvis, Union Council representative, said: “These regulations would allow the university to ban protest if it annoyed them, discipline students who called for boycotts and discipline students who ask awkward questions of corporations and politicians. This clearly breaches our human right to protest”. Rosie Rawle, UUEAS Communications Officer, commented: “Our concern is that the newly worded regulations do more than clarify current procedure. Their emphasis and additions highlight the possibility for new interpretation. We are glad that the University have heard us and
aim to engage with us on this matter.” The University of East Anglia’s press office explained: “The most recent changes to the general regulations for students passed through the usual approval process for such changes. However, in light of concerns raised by the Union of UEA Students, we have agreed to review this process and the regulations.” At the last meeting of the UUEAS Student Union Council representatives endorsed a plan by the student officers to begin a campaign against the changes. The Union will be meeting with the university and bringing forward the concerns expressed. Existing regulations already make students liable for disciplinary action if they occupy premises without permission, engage in unlawful behaviour, engage in “disorderly conduct”, engage in actions that cause “a nuisance” or engage in actions that bring the university into disrepute.