SOAS Protests: Students Demand Change

Ever heard of a university where the loudest lectures aren't in the classrooms but on the picket lines? Welcome to SOAS, University of London, a place where activism is practically a core module. Think of it as Hogwarts, but instead of casting spells, students are chanting slogans and demanding systemic change. And no, they're not just complaining about the cafeteria food (though, who knows, maybe that's on the list too). These protests are about serious stuff: decolonizing the curriculum, demanding better working conditions for staff, and fighting against tuition fee hikes that could make even Gringotts blush. Here, demanding change is the new black. So, grab your protest sign (metaphorically, of course) and let's dive into the whirlwind of SOAS activism, where students aren't just studying the world – they're trying to change it, one placard at a time.

Why SOAS?

What is it about SOAS that makes it a hotbed for student activism? It's not just the proximity to central London (though that helps with visibility). It's something deeper, something woven into the very fabric of the institution. SOAS prides itself on being a progressive, critical, and globally-minded university. Students are drawn to its unique programs focusing on Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, and they come expecting a curriculum that reflects the diversity and complexity of these regions. So, when they perceive a gap between the university's stated values and its actual practices, sparks fly.

The Issues: What's the Fuss?

Decolonizing the Curriculum

This is a big one. Decolonizing the curriculum isn't just about adding a few extra authors of color to the reading list. It's about fundamentally rethinking the way knowledge is produced and disseminated. Students argue that traditional academic disciplines are often rooted in colonial power structures and perpetuate Eurocentric perspectives. They want to see a more inclusive and representative curriculum that challenges these biases and centers the voices and experiences of marginalized communities. It's about acknowledging the historical context in which knowledge was created and dismantling the hierarchies that privilege certain perspectives over others. Imagine learning about the history of India from Indian historians, not just from the British Empire's point of view - that's the kind of shift they're pushing for. For example, courses like "Introduction to Development Studies" are often criticized for perpetuating Western-centric models of development, failing to adequately account for the specific contexts and needs of developing countries. Students push for critical analysis of these models, incorporating alternative perspectives and highlighting the agency of local communities.

Fairer Working Conditions

Another major point of contention is the treatment of university staff. Students often stand in solidarity with lecturers, teaching assistants, and other workers who are fighting for better pay, job security, and fair treatment. They see staff working tirelessly under precarious conditions, often on short-term contracts with little job security. These are not just abstract issues; they directly impact the quality of education. Overworked and underpaid staff can't provide the same level of support and attention to students. In 2018, university staff across the UK went on strike over changes to their pension schemes, and SOAS students were heavily involved in supporting the strike action, joining picket lines and organizing alternative learning sessions. Students often highlight the hypocrisy of universities that claim to be committed to social justice while simultaneously exploiting their own workers.

Tuition Fees and Access to Education

The ever-increasing cost of higher education is a constant source of anxiety for students. At SOAS, as elsewhere, students protest against tuition fee hikes and demand greater access to education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. They argue that education should be a public good, not a commodity, and that financial barriers should not prevent talented individuals from pursuing their studies. Many students are burdened with significant debt upon graduation, which can limit their career choices and future opportunities. Students often organize campaigns to raise awareness about the impact of tuition fees on social mobility and to advocate for alternative funding models, such as tuition-free education or increased government grants. They also work to provide support for students from low-income backgrounds, through initiatives such as hardship funds and mentoring programs.

Divestment from Fossil Fuels and Ethical Investments

With growing awareness of the climate crisis, SOAS students have been at the forefront of campaigns to pressure the university to divest from fossil fuels and invest in more ethical and sustainable projects. They argue that universities have a moral responsibility to align their investments with their values and to contribute to a more sustainable future. They point out the inherent contradiction of an institution educating students about climate change while simultaneously profiting from investments in companies that are driving the crisis. Divestment campaigns often involve extensive research into the university's investment portfolio, public demonstrations, and lobbying of university administrators. They highlight the financial risks associated with investing in fossil fuels, as well as the ethical imperative to support a transition to a low-carbon economy. One example is the successful campaign at SOAS that resulted in the university committing to fully divest from fossil fuels by 2023. This decision followed years of student activism, including sit-ins, petitions, and open letters to university management.

How They Protest: More Than Just Shouting

Direct Action

This involves physical actions like sit-ins, occupations, and demonstrations. Students take over university buildings, disrupt lectures, and block entrances to make their voices heard. It's a bold move, but it often gets the attention of university administrators and the media. For example, students might occupy the Vice-Chancellor's office to demand a meeting and present their demands directly. The goal is to disrupt business as usual and force the university to engage with their concerns.

Organizing and Awareness Campaigns

Protests aren't just spontaneous outbursts of anger. They require careful planning, coordination, and outreach. Students organize meetings, workshops, and educational events to raise awareness about the issues they're fighting for. They use social media, flyers, and posters to spread their message and mobilize support. Think of it like running a political campaign, but instead of running for office, they're campaigning for justice. Students often invite guest speakers, activists, and academics to share their knowledge and experiences, fostering a sense of community and solidarity.

Working with Unions and Community Groups

SOAS students recognize that their struggles are not isolated. They often work in collaboration with trade unions, community organizations, and other activist groups to build broader coalitions and amplify their impact. By working together, they can exert more pressure on the university and on wider society. These alliances can also provide students with valuable resources, expertise, and support. For instance, students might partner with local community groups to organize events that highlight the social and economic impacts of university policies on the surrounding neighborhood.

Creative Resistance

Let's be honest, sometimes you need a little pizzazz. SOAS students often use creative forms of protest, such as art installations, performances, and satirical demonstrations, to get their message across in a memorable and engaging way. They might create giant puppets, write protest songs, or organize flash mobs. The goal is to capture the attention of the public and to challenge the status quo in a fun and provocative way. A notable example is the "die-in" protest organized by SOAS students against the university's investment in fossil fuels. Students lay down on the ground in a symbolic gesture of the environmental destruction caused by the fossil fuel industry, attracting media attention and sparking public debate.

Does it Work? The Impact of SOAS Protests

The million-dollar question: do these protests actually make a difference? While it's difficult to quantify the exact impact of student activism, there's no doubt that it has played a significant role in shaping the policies and priorities of SOAS. Student protests have led to tangible changes, such as the implementation of more inclusive curricula, improved working conditions for staff, and increased financial support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Even when protests don't achieve all their goals, they can raise awareness about important issues, spark public debate, and empower students to become agents of change. The university's commitment to decolonizing the curriculum, for example, is largely due to sustained pressure from student activists. The fact that SOAS has become known as a hub for progressive activism also attracts students who are passionate about social justice, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of engagement and change.

The Future of Activism at SOAS

As long as there are injustices to fight, student activism at SOAS will continue. New issues will emerge, new strategies will be developed, and new generations of students will rise to the challenge. The spirit of dissent and the commitment to social justice are deeply ingrained in the SOAS culture, and they are likely to remain a defining feature of the university for years to come. One emerging trend is the increasing focus on intersectionality, recognizing the interconnectedness of different forms of oppression and the need for solidarity across different social movements. Students are also becoming more sophisticated in their use of digital technologies to organize, mobilize, and amplify their voices. Whether it's fighting climate change, advocating for refugee rights, or challenging systemic inequalities, SOAS students will continue to be at the forefront of the struggle for a better world.

In Conclusion: Change Starts Here

So, there you have it: SOAS, a place where activism is not just a hobby, but a way of life. We've explored why SOAS is such a fertile ground for protest, the key issues students are fighting for, how they go about demanding change, and the impact of their actions. The main takeaways are: student activism plays a vital role in shaping university policies, driving social change, and fostering a more just and equitable world. It demonstrates the power of collective action and the importance of holding institutions accountable. It also inspires future leaders who are committed to making a difference. So, the next time you hear about a protest at SOAS, remember that it's not just a bunch of students making noise. It's a group of passionate individuals who are determined to make the world a better place, one placard, one sit-in, one chanted slogan at a time.

Feeling inspired? Ready to change the world? Or maybe just wondering what your next protest sign should say? Whatever it is, remember that even small actions can make a big difference. Now, tell me, what's one change you'd like to see in the world?