Northern Ireland Youth Oppose Oil War

by Una Boyd Thu Mar 27, 2003 09:47 tuna393 at hotmail dot com

My school refused to let us walk out on day x.Many of us have been threatened with suspension if we walk out.
The students locked the school doors to make a crowd gather severel of us got detention.
Our principals attitude was "The U.N won't notice if you walk out you won't be making any diffrence" .What kind of an attitude is that?
And isn't it breaking the basic human right of free expression ?

by Francis Talty - none Thu Mar 27, 2003 20:10 pattalty at eircom dot net Annagh.MiltownMalbay.CoClare

Monday last, me and about 50 of my school friends protested outside our school (St.Josephs Secondary Spanish Point Clare) and as a result had the principal tell us that we were going to be suspended for up to 24 days. The principal individually "interviewed" us citing to the local press that school discipline had been breached. If all responsible "adults" practiced a little self discipline, respect for humanity and self control we wouldn't need to be protesting, would we?

by J Dornan - Youth Against The War Sat Mar 29, 2003 02:44 02890 232962

Unfortunatly we have had the same problem in the north. A campaign for re instatement has been organised. i think you should take similar steps.
Keep up the fight.

YOUTH AGAINST
THE WAR
Press Release Wed 26 March

Youth against the War today named and shamed Abbey Grammar school in Newry for suspending several students for taking part in the March 5th protests against the war on Iraq.
At least one student has been suspended for the maximum 50 days. Chris Gaskin was suspended for 50 days after taking part in the anti-war protest.

Youth Against the War spokesperson Gary Mulcahy said "The school stated that students who walked-out of school without parental consent would be subject to the disciplinary rules of the school. But Chris has been suspended even though he does not need parental consent, he is over 18. Due to the suspension, Chris's right to an education has effectively been taken away. The decision to suspend these students is an attack on the right to protest. Youth Against the War is demanding that Abbey Grammar drop all disciplinary action against students for taking part in the March 5th protest."

Gary went on to add " Any schools which attempt to victimise any students will be publicly named and shamed, including the Board of Governers, and followed by protests of Youth Against the War at the schools."

For more info contact Gary Mulcahy at 02890232962
http://www.socialistyouth.cjb.net
http://www.youthagainstwar.cjb.net

by Gerry McGuigan Mon Dec 15, 2003 20:16 gerryyy at hotmail dot com

I think that it is a waste of time sitting looking for things to complain about. I have had friends thrown out of school for the war protest, and are making the biggest deal ever. It was more hassle than it was worth and created more controversery than it solved.

by Cheka Mon Dec 15, 2003 20:22

In many cases YAW had nothing to do with the walkouts. Its a pity that once again the SP tried to claim all the credit. Peter Hadden wasnt kept under control that time and went shouting activists names in front of the PSNI.

by Chris Gaskin Tue Dec 16, 2003 18:36 g1290403 at qub dot ac dot uk alanbrooke, queens elms, 78 malone road belfast 00353877538788

As one of the students suspended for an unprecedented 50 days i find it ironic that so called students who lack any political or moral integrity would try and attack our stance. It was not just a walkout for the sake of it.It had got to do with students who had a conscience and wished to voice their anger. I would like to take this oportunity to thank the individuals and groups who supported us. it was just unfortunate that innocent iraq's had to die in this war of blood and oil.