Scottish universities are in crisis. Dundee University faces losing 632 full time jobs (20% of its workforce) to deal with a £35 million deficit. Several other institutions also have similar issues, with many people’s livelihoods hanging in the balance. Clearly, there is a problem.
Universities are responding to the crisis through mass layoffs. Workers on modest salaries are facing unemployment whilst principals at these unis have eye-watering salaries, often numbering over £400,000 a year.
The fact that principals and upper management aren’t willing to take even a modest cut to their bloated salaries in the face of mass expulsion of their staff who do all the working and toiling is a disgrace. The workers are vital to the upkeep of educational institutions, not the bureaucratic layer at the top.
But the problem runs deeper than individual greed. We must ask: how did it get to this point?
Image credit: Institute for Fiscal Studies
When the SNP came to power in 2007, one of their flagship policies was free tuition for Scottish students. This was no doubt a boon for many working class families where many kids could realise their dream of going to university without being swamped by unaffordable debt like their peers south of the border.
However, like with most things, the SNP’s approach to higher education has been half-hearted. Funding per student is meant to be £7530 this year which, along with other sources of Scottish Government funding for unis, has fallen in real terms over several years.
This has left unis to rely on international students as a crutch as they can charge them much higher fees. However, a fall in overseas students for a variety of reasons and lack of government funding has created a recipe for disaster.
Many in the Scottish political commentariat have called for an end to free tuition in one way or another, expecting working class people to pick up the tab. This is entirely wrong, especially since the cost of living is already too high for most people even without tuition fees.
We, as socialists, defend the principle of free tuition because education is a right, not a commodity. People should be able to pursue their dreams and the career they want without facing financial burden. Real freedom won’t be achieved until the material needs of the vast majority are met.
The Scottish Government should endeavour to fund universities through increased income taxes on the rich and by introducing a wealth tax. Universities should also be democratically accountable to the teaching staff, who must have a say in the everyday running of the place.
Such a radical solution won’t come from the fat cat bosses whose positions would be endangered, or the Scottish Government who represents the interests of capital. That’s why students and staff have to get organised to oppose these cuts, and make higher education accessible to all.
