Picketers Face-off
Tension between rival anti-fees groups erupted last Thursday evening. In a confusion of protest and counter-protest, OUSU and its new rival FEDA (Free Education Direct Action) came head to head in a demonstration against fees.
OUSU's Finance and Funding campaign, led by President Will Straw, were at Balliol College to picket education minister Stephen Twigg. In turn, FEDA protested against the picket, on the basis that F and F have been inconsistent in their policy on direct action.
Ros Dampier, who famously stripped in the battle against fees, strongly criticized Straw. She told The OxStu, "Will Straw is withering the campaigning ability of our student union by his crass and obvious manipulation of brainless JCR presidents and his mission to de-politicize everything in sight". She also said that Straw was "more interested in engaging the national media than students".
Will Straw said the campaign had been very successful and "if FEDA want direct action they should join us".
Attempts at reconciliation were made as Will and his fellow Finance and Funding Committee members tried to "hug a FEDA".
FEDA member Phil Thompson, of St Johns College said, "there are people within OUSU who don't believe in free education" FEDA flyers described how "a small number of 'independent' right wingers have stifled OUSU's ability to campaign".
When the education minister arrived, the efforts of both sides were united in a chant of "when they say cut back, we say fight back" and "what do we want - free education".
It was unclear whether F and F would continue to picket Labour ministers who visit Oxford. Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Paul Boateng is due to visit St. John's as part of OUSU's 'Diversity Week', next Wednesday.
6th Feb 2003