Can agriculture students take part in farming protests?
21st November 2024
In light of the recent farmers’ rally that took place in London on 19th November, Farmers Guide has approached colleges and universities that offer courses in agriculture to ask whether students are allowed to take part in farming demonstrations.
A spokesperson for Suffolk New College said that the school establishment “would not stop any learner carrying out their democratic right to protest, as long as they stay on the right side of the law”.
They added: “Our outstanding right to personal development programme encourages learners to think deeply about societal issues, especially those that have direct impact on them and their families.”
Suffolk New College confirmed that one of its students attended the rally.
Harper Adams University said that they also were not penalising students for non-attendance during farmers’ protest on 19th November.
What is more, a number of its students had attended the rally, and those who were not able to go had shown their support for British farming through activities organised by the students’ union.
Scotland’s Rural College said that its attendance policy does not cover participation at protests.
A spokesperson for SRUC added that approved absences are considered on a ‘case-by-case basis’.
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Supporting British farmers
Days before the farmers’ protest, the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs called on Brits to wear their wellies to work and school on 19th November.
Kirkby-in-Malhamdale Primary School was one of the schools that took part in the initiative.
The pupils were also surprised with a special visit from local farmer Ian Wellock, who delighted them by bringing along his Brown Swiss calf, Dreamer Snickerdoodle.
Kirkby-in-Malhamdale Primary School’s executive headteacher, Richard Wright, said: “The enthusiasm shown by our pupils and their families in supporting our farmers has been heartwarming. By wearing wellies to school, children across the locality – at Kirkby Malham and our partner school, Settle Primary -are sending a clear message of respect and solidarity.
“Farming communities deserve our recognition and protection, and this small act highlights the close ties between our schools and the rural way of life that sustains us all.”
However, it has been reported that some students who swapped their shoes for wellies on the day of the protest were penalised.
A school in Devon has been criticised after a number of students were supposed to be ‘removed’ from lessons for wearing wellies to support the protest, DevonLive has confirmed.
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