The Badger 23/24: Issue 3 by The Badger

F R @thebadgersussex E badger@sussexstudent.com E

The

Badger

thebadgeronline.com

Official newspaper by and for University of Sussex students and community

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Printed on recycled paper

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26 February 2024

Students and Staff Protest Moulsecoomb Weapons Factory

Ophelia Scalzo Local Life Sub Editor

n 7 February, over 150 students and staff gathered outside the L3 Harris factory in Home Farm Business Park after a mass walkout organised by the Students’ Union and University of Sussex Friends of Palestine in conjunction with the University and College Union (UCU). Protesters wielded signs calling for an end to the genocide in Gaza, and demanding the factory - which is a manufacturer of weapons technology currently being used on Palestinian civilians - be shut down. Brighton’s liberal reputation seems at risk, as protesters raise awareness of the city’s hypocrisy. This is the latest in a series of large demonstrations against the company. As well as demonstrations outside of its Moulsecoomb branch, there have been protests against the company across the globe, including in Massachusetts, United States, and Ontario, Canada. The company, L3 Harris Technologies, is the sixth largest arms company in the United States. It claims to “provide next generation capabilities for a next generation fighter,” and has come under heavy scrutiny, culminating in a number of local protests. Central to this local outcry is a planning application submitted by L3 Harris to make permanent a temporary extension to

Over 150 people gathered to protest outside the L3 Harris Technologies factory. Image: Nathan Hor. their Moulsecoomb factory built in 2018. this application so far. and explosive munition release systems at Despite the initial extension permission Furthermore, this extension application their factory in Moulsecoomb, which are having only been granted for five years, was made the same year that the company then used to create the F-35 Lightning the company has surpassed this five year announced its partnership with the Israel II fighter jets used by Israel in their permission and have now applied to make Aerospace Industries’ ELTA Systems Group occupation of Gaza. the change permanent. More than 600 on 20 March 2023. Their partnership local people have submitted objections to involves the production of bomb rack units Continued on page 4...

SU Elections: Key Dates

Abi Summers News Editor

he University’s Students’ Union has opened nominations for their 2024 Leadership Elections,

1 Mar 9am

Nominations close

8 Mar 9am Manifesto submission deadline 11 Mar 12pm Candidate announcement 13 Mar 9am Voting opens 15 Mar 5pm Voting closes 15 Mar 6pm

Results announcement

covering the SU Executive Committee, Student Trustees, and Society Committee positions. The ongoing democratic process of the SU ensures students have a voice to encourage and shape the Sussex they want to see. Active participation in the elections gives students a chance to have a say in issues such as what events take place at uni, how much funding societies receive, and even the cost of rent and drinks on campus. For those interested in becoming a nominee for a Students’ Union role, the current SU will be hosting a ‘Being an Officer Information Session’ on 26 February. Nominations close on 1 March, followed by the manifesto submission deadline on 8 March. Candidates will be announced on 11 March, and all manifestos will be made public for students to consider. This is closely followed by the voting period, which opens at 9am on 13 March.

All students will have the opportunity to choose who they want to represent them. Votes can be cast on the SU website (https:// sussexstudent.com/elections) in a few simple clicks. Voting will close on 15 March so be sure to head to the website before then. Continued on page 6...