On the 5th of November, Manchester University erected metal fencing around the perimeter of the Fallowfield’s hall of residence. Later that evening, hundreds of students, who claimed they were not warned about the measure, went out and protested – tearing down the fences and setting off flares. 

A first-year resident living in Fallowfield accommodation told Redbrick: ‘Students looked out of their windows to find fences being erected around our accommodation. We had not been informed that this was going to happen, why it was happening or any details about it. Naturally, students feared the worst, that they were going to be locked in, as there was no clear sign of an exit route, so many began to panic and get upset.’

At 4pm  the University sent students an email, which stated that ‘fencing displaying important COVID-19 health messages’ would be installed. Such fencing was apparently designed to ‘highlight main entrance areas, where security staff would ensure that only students who live in that accommodation can access it safely.’

Later that evening, pictures and videos were posted on social media of Fallowfield residents protesting the fencing. Many held up banners and signs, some released flares and the fencing was torn down. 

First year English student Mia, another resident at Fallowfield, told Redbrick that ‘it felt empowering that all the students had come together.’

A first year Fallowfield resident told us that ‘the fences were only a reflection of the lack of support and communication the University has provided since we have been here.’

The President and Vice Chancellor of the University Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell made a statement on the evening of the protests, apologising for the concern and distress caused by the erection of the fences. She stated that the fences would be taken down on Friday morning and that alternative security measures would be put in place.

However English student Mia told us that it ‘seemed like the university ignored the students’ protests until big names like Afzal Khan and Piers Morgan made comments on social media.’

The University of Manchester were contacted for a statement but did not reply. 

The University has already been highly criticised this year for their lack of support for self-isolating students, and in the wake of the suicide of Finn Kitson, who was a resident of Fallowfield.

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