Discontent at Victoria University

Management of Victoria University, Wellington, this week banned the publication of the student newspaper Salient over an article exposing proposed fee increases of between 5-10%. They sought and obtained a high court injunction prior to its distribution, and followed this up by confiscation of the 6,000 copies due to fears that the injunction would be ignored [Report]. Vice Chancellor Pat Walsh gave his version of events which is available here (along with a translation).

On Wednesday, in a much publicised Student Representative Council meeting, students moved to relocate the meeting to the Vice Chancellor's office. A brief 25 minute occupation ensued before the students voluntarily moved off [Report + Photos].

Further protest action is planned for when the fee setting occurs. Reports are also in that issues of Salient are available now, before the high court hearing, suggesting a settlement was reached between university management and Salient.

Update: (6/10/2005) It seems that in an effort to quiet talks of fee increases, both Victoria University and VUWSA have come to an agreement to destroy the leaked documents that were the source of the Salient article, to allow Salient to be distributed, and to make no further comments to the media [Joint Press Release].

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