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Articles by Becca Bashford
Antisemitism and Criticism of Israel
Words by David Feldman. The war in Gaza reverberates globally. One consequence is renewed controversy over when criticism of Israel and support for Palestinian rights becomes antisemitic. This debate has been crystallized by two definitions of antisemitism: the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Working Definition of Antisemitism and the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism. Both definitions agree that it is antisemitic to attribute sweeping negative generalizations to Jews as a group.
UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE: Views From the Inside
We are pleased to publish the results of one of our funded research projects. “University Governance: Views from the Inside”, by Professor Steven Jones (PI) and Dr Diane Harris, explores the inner workings of university governance through a series of interviews with current and former members of university governing bodies in England from 41 different institutions. You can read the report here.
Black Lives Matter: Activism and allyship
It is okay to feel overwhelmed right now. It’s been little over a week since the footage of George Floyd being murdered in broad daylight by four police officers was first seen on social media. Since then, there has been an explosion of peaceful protests, marches, social media campaigns, donation pages, and more. It’s therefore easy to feel like your individual actions won’t or can’t make an impact, and it’s even easier to sit back and be silent.
Thank a Teacher day: New survey reveals heightened appreciation for Brighton teachers
A survey commissioned by the Get into Teaching campaign in support of Thank a Teacher day has revealed a surge of appreciation for teachers in Brighton. The new research has revealed that 84% of parents in Brighton have developed a ‘greater appreciation’ for teachers, with 78% agreeing that teachers have gone ‘above and beyond’ their duties since the coronavirus lockdown began in March.
Cities worldwide report drops in pollution levels
News May 6, 2020 Becca Bashford 0 Joel Renouf-Cooke | News Print Sub-Editor Large cities are breathing a sigh of relief as air pollution levels plummet due to Coronavirus restrictions. Cities such as Sydney, London, Delhi and Beijing have all reported a drop in the amount of both CO2 and NO2, the pollutants that contribute the most to dangerous air pollution in the atmosphere.
Universities in crisis
Universities are bracing for an inevitable financial abyss as they scramble to come to grips with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier this month, Universities UK (UUK) sent a proposal to the government, in which they warned that without support some institutions will face complete financial failure, and others would come so close to failure that they will be forced to “reduce provisions for students, or significantly scale back research activities and capacity”.
University of Sussex postpones summer graduation ceremonies
News April 29, 2020 Becca Bashford 0 In an email sent to students this afternoon (Wednesday 29 April), Pro-Vice Chancellor Kelly Coate announced that summer graduation ceremonies will be postponed indefinitely. Professor Coate said that the decision “has been taken with great reluctance”, but due to ongoing restrictions and concerns surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, the University felt they were left with “no other choice”.
Reclaiming Earth Day 2020: A Sussex story of student activism
Roseanne Steffen from Transform Sussex writes to celebrate the research and activism on climate justice that has emerged at the University of Sussex. On the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, we should celebrate the incredible work of activists and academics at the University of Sussex who are showing what a just response to the double crises of a global pandemic and climate breakdown would look like. Who invented Earth Day?
Sussex international students appeal for tuition fee reduction in open letter
International students at the University of Sussex have appealed for a reduction to their tuition fees, stating that the coronavirus pandemic has disproportionately affected them. While they acknowledge that university staff are “doing their best”, they say that university management have failed to take into account the impacts on EU/International students that might not apply to UK students.
150 Sussex students begin rent strike
News April 14, 2020 Becca Bashford 0 150 students at the University of Sussex have begun a rent strike today, in an effort to force university management to waive third term rent payments in light of the coronavirus pandemic. The rent strike has been organised by a student collective – ‘Sussex, Cut the Rent’ – who state that they are protesting “the insistence that students trapped on campus pay their rent as normal in the midst of a global pandemic and government lockdown”.
Sussex students organise rent strike
News April 10, 2020 Becca Bashford 0 A group of students at the University of Sussex have organised a rent strike, following a lack of communication from the University regarding their stance on third term rent payments. Currently, the student hub states “Normal rental charges apply if you remain on campus.
University of Sussex adopts ‘No Detriment’ policy
News April 1, 2020 Becca Bashford 0 The University of Sussex have announced today (1 April) that they will be adopting the ‘No Detriment’ policy in response to the coronavirus pandemic. This guarantees that students’ grade average in semester two will not drop below the grade average they achieved in semester one. The announcement was made in an email sent to all students by Pro Vice Chancellor Kelly Coate.
Sussex Student Elections 2020: The Results!
This year, the Sussex Student Elections looked a little bit different. Due to the unprecedented consequences of COVID-19, such as the implementation of a nationwide lockdown, the elections were moved to an online platform. Campaigns were done from the comfort of candidates sofas, and the slogan “Everything is being cancelled – but democracy is still on!” decorated social media.
Supermarkets to recruit thousands as demands surge
Charlotte Brill | Staff Writer The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in supermarket shelves being emptied at unprecedented rates. Frenzied scenes, including people fighting over basic items and stealing from delivery lorries, have been witnessed at stores across the nation, and the world.
Sussex students write open letter to University rejecting online teaching
News March 18, 2020 Becca Bashford 0 Two students from the University of Sussex have written an open letter to Vice Chancellor Adam Tickell rejecting the university’s move to online teaching – demanding more options be provided for students during the coronavirus crisis.
Testimonies: “Epidemic” of poor mental health among higher education staff
These testimonies were provided for our recent investigation into the “epidemic” of poor mental health among HE staff. They attest to the mental strain of the current working conditions at UK universities, as highlighted in Liz Morrish’s HEPI report “Pressure Vessels”. Some have been anonymised per the request of the contributors. “I’m on strike because I don’t think I will physically or mentally be able to keep working if workload conditions don’t improve.
“Epidemic” of poor mental health among higher education staff
A recent report has described universities as “anxiety machines”, and cites many of the disputes raised by UCU, such as excessive workloads and precarious contracts, as contributors to the spike in poor mental health. On February 3, UCU (University and College Union) announced that another wave of strike action would hit 74 UK universities, spanning 14 days.
Breaking: University of Sussex to move teaching online due to Coronavirus
Top Stories March 16, 2020 Becca Bashford 0 The University of Sussex has sent an email to all students to announce that teaching will be suspended from today (Monday 16 March), and that online teaching will commence from the 23 March. The campus will remain open until further notice. The email reads: The University management has decided to suspend all teaching for the week, from today, and begin online teaching from Monday 23 March.
University of Sussex release information regarding second Coronavirus case
News March 9, 2020 Becca Bashford 0 Becca Bashford | News Editor This afternoon (Monday 9 March), the University of Sussex sent an official email to staff informing them that a second individual associated with the University has been diagnosed with Coronavirus (COVID-19). The email clarifies that the individual is self-isolating off campus, and that Public Health England have not enforced any special measures, therefore the campus will remain open and run as usual.
Support the Strikes, attend a Teach-out!
News February 20, 2020 Becca Bashford 0 Beyond being a significant way to express your solidarity with striking staff, teach-outs are also a great opportunity to experience an alternative kind of learning. What is a Teach-out? Teach-outs are social events, talks, or workshops that relate to the strike. They are community-organised learning environments that seek to foster critical reflection, conversation, and solidarity among all participants as a part of the university community.
Chaos at this year’s Iowa Caucus
This year’s Iowa caucus caused a political storm. Our News Sub-Editor, Venice Hancock, discusses the night Venice Hancock | News Sub-Editor The Iowa Caucus is one of the most highly anticipated events of the democratic primaries in any U.S. presidential election. It has been this way for decades and the multiple caucuses around the country have become a key aspect of election cycles.
Journalists stage mass walk-out in response to No.10 press ban
News February 19, 2020 Becca Bashford 0 On February 3, a group of Journalists walked out of 10 Downing Street en-masse, after the Prime Minister’s director of communications tried to restrict certain media outlets from attending a briefing on Brexit plans regarding a free trade agreement with the EU.
Impeachment, Trial, Acquittal: Where do we stand now?
After President Trump was impeached in December, a trial took place that could have led to the president being removed from office. However, he was acquitted last week. Tom Chesley | Staff Writer President Trump was accused of breaking the law by pressuring Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, to dig up damaging information on his political rival, Joe Biden.
LGBTQ+ History Month: What’s on?
News February 19, 2020 Becca Bashford 0 Read more about the incredible events which have taken place both on campus and in Brighton in celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month, and find out what else is on! Angel Woo | Staff Writer LGBTQ+ History month runs every February in the UK to celebrate the history and pride of the LGBT+ community. Brighton, our beautiful town with it’s liberal and vibrant vibe, is a hub of celebration throughout the month.
Third time’s the charm?
News February 19, 2020 Becca Bashford 0 Marine Le Pen has announced her candidacy for the 2022 French Presidential election. Venice Hancock | News Sub-Editor On January 16, politician Marine Le Pen, President of the Rassemblement National, France’s right wing populist and nationalist party, announced her candidacy for the next presidential election. In two years time.
New ‘Rewards and Recognition Scheme’ for Sussex students
News February 19, 2020 Becca Bashford 0 A new ‘Rewards & Recognition Scheme’ has now been implemented by the University of Sussex Students’ Union in order to acknowledge continued efforts and development from student-led groups at the university. Joshua McLaughlin | Staff Writer A new ‘Rewards & Recognition Scheme’ has now been implemented by the University of Sussex Students’ Union in order to acknowledge continued efforts and development from student-led groups at the university.
Off-Peak Brighton: London Victoria trains cancelled
News February 19, 2020 Becca Bashford 0 Southern Rail is cancelling their direct off-peak services between Brighton and London Victoria, generating a backlash from commuters and politicians. Gemma Laws | Staff Writer Last week, Southern Rail announced to commuters that they will stop running their direct off-peak services between Brighton and London Victoria. This timetable change, which will be implemented on 17 May 2020, is due to upgrade works at Gatwick Airport station.
Breaking: Sussex student tests negative for Coronavirus
News February 17, 2020 Becca Bashford 0 The University has now confirmed that the student removed for coronavirus testing has proven negative. In an email sent to University of Sussex students this morning (Monday 17 February), it has been confirmed that the student removed from campus for coronavirus testing has not contracted the virus. The email stresses that the University has ‘very stringent’ plans and procedures in place to deal with any potential issues relating to the virus.
BREAKING: Sussex student tested for Coronavirus
News February 10, 2020 Becca Bashford 0 This afternoon (Monday 10 February), University of Sussex students received an email from Internal Communications stating that a student on campus has been taken to hospital to be tested for Coronavirus. Becca Bashford | News Editor This afternoon (Monday 10 February), University of Sussex students received an email from Internal Communications stating that a student on campus has been taken to hospital to be tested for Coronavirus.
More UCU Strikes to come to Sussex Campus
News February 3, 2020 Becca Bashford 0 Words by Georgia-May Keetch It has now been confirmed by the University and College Union (UCU) that they are staging a fresh round of strike action starting from the 20th of February to the 13th of March.
University of Sussex partners with The Great Escape Festival
The University of Sussex has partnered The Great Escape Festival, offering students access to exclusive live events and work opportunities. Words by Becca Bashford, News Editor. The University of Sussex is embarking on an exciting new partnership with The Great Escape Festival, The Badger can exclusively reveal. The Great Escape Festival has run since 2006, and takes place over three days (13-16 May).
Fake Extinction Rebellion posters found in Brighton
News February 2, 2020 Becca Bashford 0 Fake XR posters hosting white supremacist slogans have appeared in Brighton. Words by Joshua McLaughlin, Staff Writer. Multiple posters have been spotted in Brighton containing sensationalist and racially motivated headlines, formatted onto posters that replicate the distinctive branding of the global environmental activist organisation, Extinction Rebellion (XR).
Brighton golf courses return to nature
News February 2, 2020 Becca Bashford 0 Words by Katie Drake, Staff Writer. In November of 2019, the debate began as to whether Hollingbury golf course and Waterhall golf course in Brighton should be “re-wilded” following the end of their lease in March 2020. Rewilding refers to the process of protecting the environment and returning it to its natural state, the aim being to bring back wild animals and ecosystems that used to inhabit the area.
Interview with Professor Kelly Coate: Sussex’s 2025 Vision
Becca Bashford, News Editor, and Professor Kelly Coate, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Education and Students, discuss the 2025 vision for the University of Sussex. Words by Becca Bashford, News Editor. The Badger caught up with Professor Kelly Coate, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Education and Students, to discuss the “Learn to Transform” strategy and 2025 vision for Sussex.
Court rules Ethical Veganism a Philosophical Belief
News February 2, 2020 Becca Bashford 0 A court has ruled ‘Ethical Veganism’ a Philosophical Belief under the Equality Act 2010. Words by Ben Jones, Staff Writer. In Norwich, “ethical veganist” Jordi Casamitjana brought a case before tribunal which ruled ethical veganism to be a “philosophical belief”, and thus obtains the same safety from discrimination held by religious beliefs under the Equality Act 2010.
Politics Recap: Here’s what you missed over the festive break
News February 2, 2020 Becca Bashford 0 It’s been a busy few weeks in British politics, so here’s what you might have missed over the festive period. Words by Will Day, Staff Writer. It’s been a busy few weeks in British politics, so here’s what you might have missed over the festive period. The Government has come under criticism for scrapping a pledge protecting the rights of child refugees in Europe seeking to be united with family in the UK.
Australian bushfires sound alarm for climate crisis
News February 2, 2020 Becca Bashford 0 The devastating impact of the climate crisis is evident in the bushfires that have ravaged Australia. Words by Eric Barrell, Staff Writer. An area of Australia almost the size of England has been set ablaze with devastating bushfires for the past four months. Thousands of citizens have fled their homes, 28 people have died and the country’s unique ecology has been in a state of emergency as millions of hectares of bushland have been scorched.
Tensions grow between US and Iran
Tensions have intensified between the United States and Iran, following the assassination of General Qasem Soleimani. Words by Venice Hancock, News Sub-Editor. The beginning of 2020 saw the world hold its breath as it watched tensions suddenly rise between the United States and Iran, after General Qasem Soleimani was killed in Iraq by an American air raid on January 3. General Soleimani was one of the most important and respected figures in Iranian military.
So, who's running for President in 2020?
The U.S. presidential race feels crowded, messy and never-ending and it’s not even 2020 yet. This is The Badger’s guide to all the current Presidential candidates, who they are, what their aims are and what their most recent polling scores are. In order to make sense of it all, we are going to be looking at the top ten polling democratic candidates and the three republican candidates that have announced their bid for the Presidency in 2020.
The Largest Maternity Scandal in NHS History
By Angel Woo, Staff Writer. An internal report leaked by The Independent has revealed that at least 42 babies and three mothers died at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust (SATH) over a forty year period. The investigation also found that due to oxygen deprivation during birth, over 50 children were given permanent brain damage, and another 47 cases were classified as “substandard care”.
One Year On: The Gilets Jaunes Movement
By Venice Hancock, News Sub-Editor. It has been a year since French protesters, known as the “Gilets Jaunes” (Yellow Vests), appropriately named for their chosen attire during demonstrations, first took to the streets of different French cities. After a call on social media, more than 250 000 people marched on to denounce the increase in fuel prices made by the government as a way of tackling climate change.
The US reverses policies on Israeli settlements
By Gemma Laws, Staff Writer. In a policy reversal, the Trump Administration has declared that Israeli settlements in the West Bank do not violate international law. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has announced that the US no longer considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank as violating international law. This comes as a break from not only international consensus, but also previous US policy towards the region.
More Medicinal Cannabis Products Legalised
By Tom Chesley, Staff Writer. Two cannabis-based medicines have been approved for use by the NHS in England to treat epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. The Home Secretary announced that products which meet safety and quality standards are to be made legal for patients with an exceptional clinical need.
Why We're Striking: An Interview with Sussex Lecturers
In a joint interview, Dr Nadya Ali, Lecturer in International Relations, and Dr Arabella Stanger, Lecturer in Drama, talk to our News Editor Becca Bashford about why they have joined the strikes alongside thousands of other university staff across the country. Why are you striking? As members of University and College Union (UCU), we are striking over two interlinked issues: pay, equalities and casualisation; and the USS pensions dispute.
General Election Hustings hosted at the University of Sussex
On Wednesday 18 November, the Attenborough Center for Create Arts (ACCA) hosted a General Election Hustings debate, organised by the Institute of Development Studies, the University of Sussex, and the Student’s Union, and hosted by the Politics Society.
Researchers discover new way to detect breast cancer five years before clinical signs show
By Joel Renouf-Cooke. Researchers from Nottingham University have unveiled the results of a study that claims to be able to detect the onset of breast cancer up to five years before clinical signs appear thanks to a blood test that measures the body’s immune response to tumour cells. However, some cancer experts have said that the claims, which are due to be formally revealed at a conference in Glasgow this week, should be treated with caution.
Rising sea temperatures are turning baby sea turtles female
By Angel Woo. With the temperature of the global climate rising, the number of female baby sea turtles is increasing. The temperature during incubation has the ability to change the gender of sea turtles. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, male sea turtles are produced when the temperature under 81.86 degree Fahrenheit.
Dresden has declared a "Nazi Emergency"
By Venice Hancock. The city of Dresden, situated in Eastern Germany, officially declared a state of “Nazi Emergency” on October 30th. Dresden has a long history of having to tackle far right movements. Since the 1990’s it has been the scene of many neo-Nazi demonstrations, including the commemoration of the severe bombing of the city by British and American forces during the Second World War.
Dominic Cummings, Russia, and a concealed government report
By Tom Chesley. Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry has written to Dominic Raab to express concerns over Dominic Cummings relationship with Russia, after a whistle-blower came forward. Dominic Cummings, served as the campaign director of Vote Leave in 2016. In July 2019, Prime Minister Boris Johnson appointed him to the role of ‘special advisor to the Prime Minister’; but as of November 2019, Mr Cummings came under fire when his connections to Russia began to be questioned.
Global cities risk being submerged due to rising sea levels
By Ben Jones, Staff Writer. Recent studies into rising sea levels have predicted that cities across the globe could be submerged within the next 30 years. A study conducted by Nature Communications found that if levels of emissions continue increase, sea levels could rise by 2 metres by the year 2050. This is compared to an 11-16 cm rise in the 20th century. Up to 150 million people could be affected by these changes, and by 2100, 300 million people risk being affected by annual flooding.
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