The biggest Sussex University Stop the Cuts demonstration so far has taken place to demand the reinstatement of six students suspended following a peaceful protest.
Seven-hundred protesters came out in support of the six, who were singled out by managers last week after participating in a 50-strong occupation of the university's Sussex House.
University bosses described the suspensions as a "precautionary measure" against "further disruptions."
Now dubbed the Sussex Six, the group were among hundreds who took action to express their solidarity with lecturers' 76 per cent vote in favour of strike action against devastating cuts announced by bosses.
Over 115 jobs are expected to go as part of £5 million worth of cuts which will also see the closure of crucial services at the university including subsidised childcare and health services.
Over 300 students and teachers protested outside the building as the occupation took place.
After police had been called in at the behest of management
There were numerous reports of brutality against protesters after the university's management called in police, including the vicious use of batons and CS spray.
Lecturers delivered a significant blow to the bosses' claim that students had held staff hostage during the occupation.
In a statement sent to managers in support of the six, they said: "Sussex University College Union wishes to express its deep concern at the disproportionate response of the management to the occupation of Sussex House last week.
"The union fully supports and defends the right of lawful protest. We urge the vice-chancellor to lift the suspensions with immediate effect so as to enable the students to continue with their studies and exercise their human rights and to expediate any disciplinary procedures pending."
Over 500 students have posed for photographs holding up signs saying "I occupied Sussex House" which will be sent to management to question their singling out of the six.
More than 1,000 people have signed a petition demanding their immediate reinstatement and rail union RMT general secretary Bob Crow sent a letter to the university's vice-chancellor Michael Farthing in solidarity with the protesters.
Stop the Cuts spokeswoman Sarah Wrack said: "This is the biggest protest we've had in ages. Everyone is in high spirits and we are confident we can win.
"There are a lot of staff here and lots of people have come from universities elsewhere."
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