A group of University of Sheffield students have occupied The Diamond in protest of the university’s partnership with Rolls Royce, Boeing and BAE Systems.
Sheffield Action Group has taken responsibility for the occupation following a tweet they published this morning. The group has called for “no war criminals on campus or in careers fairs.”
All three companies have been highlighted by the group because of their involvement in the arms manufacturing industry. Having a significant hold in the market, the companies are all leading manufacturers globally.
BAE Systems, a British based company boasted revenue of £18.52 billion in 2021 alone.
This is not the first occupation by the group. Earlier on this year in February the group occupied three university buildings in protest of cuts to funding and services as the University of Sheffield planned to close the archaeology department . The occupations took place in line with the UCU strikes nationwide disputing for more pay for union members as well as a review of working conditions for staff involved.
Following the occupations the university went back on its original plan and made sure that there would be no changes to the Department of Archaeology until September 2024.
A Q&A has been conducted by the Sheffield Action Group addressing questions from the public about the occupation.
https://thetab.com/uk/sheffield/2022/10/24/sheffield-students-are-occupying-the-diamond-to-protest-the-uni-working-with-arms-companies-50521
