University of Ulster back to its old tricks!!

The Magee campus of the University of Ulster has had an active Ógra Shinn Féin cumann for over five years.

During this period of time the university have placed restrictions on the political society which can only be described as discriminatory with acts of censorship. The university have in place a political protocol which allows for political societies, but prevents them from campaigning, recruiting, advertising or bringing elected representatives to the university to openly speak to students regarding issues that matter to them.

At the freshers fayre where new and returning students go to sign up to clubs and societies and get information around a number of issues, Ógra Shinn Féin faced blatant censorship.

Cllr Billy Page was present at the freshers day within the university to speak to students about student top up fees and student accommodation and was prevented from doing so because it ‘went against’ the political protocol.

Cllr Page had this to say,

“We will be taking this matter up with the student union and will be asking for them to meet with the cumann and the party this week to seek clarification for their unjust actions against elected representatives.”

Magee Ógra Shinn Féin secretary Paul McCann said,

“I was disgusted with the actions of the university. After speaking to Ógra activists who where at other freshers and watching the politics show this week on BBC, it showed Queens University having freshers day with their elected representatives from a range of political parties such as the DUP and Sinn Fein.”

“I don’t understand the censorship the university have placed upon the society. We are a progressive and very active cumann campaigning on issues that matter to young people such as suicide prevention, road safety, the national question, top-up fees, equality and solidarity campaigns with the Basque country and Palestine.”

“The Magee Ógra cumann feel that this protocol is unjust and without any reason. We will not be backing down over this issue and we hope that there can be an agreement reached in the forthcoming days and weeks to benefit freedom of speech.”