London Socialist Historians Group
13th April
Contact Dr Keith Flett 07803 167266
Historians renew solidarity to Goldsmiths as Tory educational vandalism continues
The London Socialist Historians Group, which organises the socialist history seminar at the Institute of Historical Research, University of London, has offered renewed solidarity to the UCU branch at Goldsmiths College.
The union has successfully renewed industrial action ballots as the College has issued a number of redundancy notices to staff in the English, creative writing and history areas. Many of those targeted are UCU members including some branch officers.
The historians say that 5 redundancies in the history department will undermine the History Foundation Programme, which looks to encourage and prepare students to study the subject and is a reflection of Tory educational vandalism.
The plan is for a business University where the tune is called not be educational priorities but by banks including Lloyds and NatWest who have drawn up a business plan for Goldsmiths. What is taught will be determined by what is profitable not for any intrinsic educational value.
LSHG Convenor Dr Keith Flett said, what is being attempted at Goldsmiths is a prototype of Tory plans for the future of higher education. Any idea of a liberal education valued in itself is out. In future value will be judged on a profit and loss basis. We offer solidarity to Goldsmiths UCU in continuing to resist this. That they succeed is vital.
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