Mounting pressure from students also forces VC to unconditionally reinstate six suspended students.

Yesterday University of Sussex students packed out the students’ union building and passed a motion of no confidence in University of Sussex Vice Chancellor Michael Farthing and his executive group (VCEG).

The emergency USSU general meeting (EGM)- called in response to management proposals to cut 115 jobs at the university and the suspension of six student protestors - was called at only 48 hours notice following a written request from over 150 students.

The meeting was one of the biggest in Sussex’s history and was attended by well over 850 students, with many having to be turned away due to the insufficient space in Mandela Hall to accommodate everyone.

The motion of no confidence was voted on and passed by an overwhelming majority, as was another motion that called for the full and unconditional reinstatement of the six Sussex students who were suspended by university management after the recent occupation of Sussex House.

The second motion regarding the reinstatement of Sussex students also called for an independent inquiry into the events surrounding the occupation on 3^rd March, during which police with riot gear, dogs and spray were called on students by university management.

Following the USSU emergency meeting yesterday, and the Sussex UCU strike action taking place today (18^th March), the six suspended Sussex students have now been unconditionally reinstated. This marks a significant victory for the suspended students, who are now able to continue taking part in their studies at the university unimpeded.

The original decision to suspend the students had been condemned by both Sussex UCU and members of Brighton Council Pete West and Bill Randall.

The six students still face possible disciplinary action from the university, however, and the motion passed yesterday also called for “any subsequent disciplinary action to be in accordance with due process and the right to a fair and independent hearing.”

USSU President Tom Wills commented: “Yesterdays unprecedented level of attendance at the USSU EGM shows the huge strength of feeling among Sussex students about management’s proposals, and that student democracy and engagement is in as rude health as ever.”

He added: “We’re delighted that this pressure from students and staff has forced the Vice Chancellor to back down and lift these unjustified suspensions.”