Cramming for exams in the age of austerity

Interviews with J.D Hutton and Alex Khasnabish at occupied Finance Minister's office

by Miles Howe

Cramming in the age of austerity. Students pull double duty as they occupy Nova Scotia Finance Minister Diana Whalen's office, while hitting the books. [Photo: M. Howe]

KJIPUKTUK (Halifax) - On the morning of April 13, several university students occupied Nova Scotia Finance Minister Diana Whalen's office, in protest to the recently-released provincial budget.

As per the budget, universities in the province will be given a one-time opportunity to increase tuition fees without restriction. This has students, already hampered by an average debt-load of $35,000 upon graduation, worried about a 'tuition free-for-all' situation.

As it is currently exam time, the students at Whalen's office used their protest time to their best academic advantage, bringing books and laptops with them for some last minute exam cramming.

Please enjoy the attached audio interviews with J.D Hutton, incoming vice-president of the Dalhousie Student Union, and Dr. Alex Khasnabish, Department Chair of Sociology and Anthropology at Mount Saint Vincent University.

Over 60 actions organized internationally in response to... Jan 12

GROUNDWIRE OCTOBER 8 | MMIW HEARINGS AND VIGILS, MASS... Oct 16

GroundWire | Housing in the Budget, Fontaine Boushie... Mar 16

Activist Court Support: Kinder Morgan wants permanent ban... Mar 15