Media Advisory - Community to rally in support of UofT "Fight Fees 14"

    Students and organizers defy University of Toronto's repression of
    dissent

    What: Rally against fee hikes and repression of dissent at University of
    Toronto
    When: Wednesday, May 21, 4:30 PM
    Where: Simcoe Hall, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Circle

    TORONTO, May 15 /CNW/ - Students and organizers will rally outside a
meeting of the University of Toronto's Board of Governors Wednesday, May 21,
to protest UofT campaign of intimidation against those mobilizing against fee
hikes. They will peacefully attempt to deliver letters and 1700 petition
signatures in support of 14 students arrested and charged by the University in
connection with their campaign for accessible education. The rally will
feature speakers from the Committee for Just Education and its allies
"charging" UofT administration with misconduct in its repressive response to
peaceful dissent.
    On March 20, over forty students and allies organized a sit-in at the
University of Toronto administration's offices in Simcoe Hall to protest
increasing student fees. The peaceful sit-in ended after police exercised
aggression against the demonstrators on the orders of senior administrators.
Undeterred, students continued to organize against fee hikes with rallies on
March 25 and April 10, and an open forum on the accessibility of education on
April 7.
    In response, the UofT administration worked with Toronto Police to charge
and arrest 14 handpicked students and organizers for alleged involvement in
the March 20 sit-in. The "Fight Fees 14" were released on strict bail
conditions that prohibited association with one another and banned their
access to University of Toronto property. In addition, at least 15 students
have been threatened with investigation under UofT's Code of Student Conduct,
with sanctions that can include suspension or expulsion.The Committee for Just Education, in solidarity with those charged,
    demands:

    1.  Equal access to education through the elimination of all fees.
    2.  That the UofT administration and Toronto Police immediately drop all
        proceedings against students and organizers and stop the policing of
        dissent on campus.
    3.  Student, worker, and faculty parity on university decision-making
        bodies, including the Governing Council.The first court date for the accused is tentatively schedule for June 3
at Old City Hall. Details will be released as more information is made
available. Check www.fightfees.ca for updates

For further information: Sheila Hewlett, [phone]; Gabi Rodriguez,
[phone]; Alanna Prasad, [phone]