Students at University of Manchester Topple ‘Lockdown’ Fence Around Residence Halls

Students rallied to tear down a ‘lockdown’ fence erected around residence halls at the University of Manchester on November 5, with the fence reportedly put up as a security measure. Footage posted by the Socialist Worker Student Society shows a crowd knocking down a metal fence as onlookers cheer. Local news reported the fence was erected as part of the University’s new security protocols due to England’s four-week-long COVID-19 lockdown. According to the Manchester Evening News, students claimed to have received no prior warning of the new measures. The University’s President and Vice-Chancellor issued an apology following the protests on November 5. “The fencing was intended as a response to a number of concerns received over recent weeks from staff and students on this site about safety and security; particularly about access by people who are not residents,” wrote President and Vice-Chancellor Dame Nancy Rothwell. “There was never any intent to prevent students from entering or exiting the site. The fences are being taken down from Friday morning and students are being contacted immediately,” the officials wrote. Credit: Socialist Worker Student Society @SWSSnews via Storyful

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