Arcadia England

In keeping with this year’s Life of the Mind theme, Protest, a group of Arcadia First Year students took up placards and marched in protest of Europe’s migrant crisis on Saturday, 12th September.

The ‘Solidarity with Refugees’ protest was organised by diverse organisations, including Refugee Council, Amnesty International, Stand Up to Racism and the Stop the War Coalition. The march began at Marble Arch tube station, and concluded in Parliament Square. A highlight of the event was an address from Jeremy Corbyn, just one day after his election as leader of the Labour party. Corbyn’s election is seen by many to be representative of constituent frustration with the status quo in Westminster (the seat of UK government). To gain a sense of the protest, and the feelings and thoughts it provoked in some of its attendees, here are some quotes from the Arcadia students who participated:

"The protest conflicted me in a lot of ways. It was inspiring to see British citizens so receptive to refugees…unfortunately, a situation as volatile as this one cannot be solved by compassion. I understand that logistical issues associated with taking in hundreds of thousands of displaced people do exist. Social and economic systems of any of the EU nations would be hampered by having to integrate a massive number of refugees ... It is very important that the citizens who will be affected understand the effects this will have on them. Taking in every displaced person seeking asylum would be just as harmful as taking in the proposed limited amount that has led to public outrage. [The] protest…was very important if only for the reason that it brings more light to the issue. Public displays of discontent tend to be mobilizers of action. The pressure has been placed on David Cameron, as well as other European leaders, to find a solution that works for all." - Jake N.

"I'm so happy that I was able to be a part of something so meaningful." - Leslie R.

"There is something very unifying about being surrounded by a crowd of people who all have similar opinions and support the same important cause as one another. I am very glad that I had the opportunity to be in London at such a precise time as to be able to participate in the protest and it is something that I will look back on fondly for many years to come." - Caylie S.

"I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to participate in such an important event with 10 fellow students and over 10,000 fellow Londoners."

"I had never been to a protest before…I had no idea what to expect, but I was in awe of the sheer amount of people that turned up to support the cause. Going with friends from Arcadia made the day even more memorable and enjoyable. I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to participate in such an important event with 10 fellow students and over 10,000 fellow Londoners." - Caroline B.