The LCDSU is a rank and file grouping of socialists within the NUS which sees its task as fighting to transform the NUS into an organisation which can challenge the technocratic re-orientation in higher education and effectively intervene in the class struggle. We believe the only other alternative for the NUS is to be integrated into the State. Political Autonomy: the very possibility of the independent political actions of students is under attack from the State. This is forced on the bourge. cise because of their need to remove any organised opposition in all colleges before they can go ahead forthrightly with their plans for higher education. This is not therefore to be undenstood simply as the actions of a backward looking Tory Government but springing from the most fundamental needs of capitalism and is consequently a task for the State as a whole. Consequentlv the question of the political autonomy of students is the most acute problem facing students now and for the foreserable future. This question is also one which has the most general reference to students and transcends to a latge extent the binary transformation. The LCDSU (a) opposes all forms of political victimisation of staff and students in the colleges; b) rejects totally any attempts by the courts to nterfere with the political independence of STUCTE (c) will fight for the removal of all restrictions on the political autonomy of student unions or any further attempts to impose such restrictions. No state accountability; no control of constitutions, finances, of buildings by college authorities or LEA's. None of these positions are negotiable.
Technocratic Reforms: The needs of British capitalism have dictated and will continue to dictate an expansion and rationalisation of higher education and a more close adaptation to the needs of British industry. The transformations in higher education therefore at once bolster the power of capital and weaken the position of students. Because of this: (a) the LCDSU is opposed to all attempts to get education on the cheap. It is opposed to any deteRANK & FILE TEACHERS GROUP Open Meeting. Friday 23rd June 7.45pm. Conway Hall,(Holborn Tube) Red Lion Square, W.C.1.
Chris Searle.
R & F 28 Manor Road, N.16.
INTERNATIONAL MARXIST GROUP (British Section of the Fourth International) 182. Pentonville Road, London N.I.
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The situation in Ireland today is in flux; a new PEACE AND FREE DERRY Gael for a "yes" vote in the referendum has Derry, and has pulled an important section of
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"What should Rank & File be doing?" Contributors include Michael Duane,