Trinity College has been accused of ‘declaring war on students’ after it issued its Students’ Union with a €214,285 fine.
On five separate occasions this year, students have blockaded the entrance to the world famous Book of Kells visitor experience.
Protesters did so because they objected to the college increasing the cost of postgraduate courses and urged management to raise the price of tickets to see the book instead.
Speaking to Lunchtime Live, TCDSU President László Molnárfi said was outraged by the decision to issue the fine.
“Trinity College, Dublin I think has declared war on students, on the student body and on the principle of solidarity and the union,” he said.
“It’s absolutely shocking, it’s an ill-fated attempt to intimidate and harass student activists.
“It follows a series of escalations by university managements - such as being brought into disciplinary meetings - not just for protesting at the Book of Kells but protests elsewhere on campus.”
Protestors at the Book of Kells Experience in Trinity College Dublin, 01/05/2024. Image: Neasa Nic Corcráin/Trinity NewsMr Molnárfi described protest as the “purpose” of a union and said they would not pay the fine.
“It sets a dangerous precedent for the right to protest; the right to protest is under attack by university management,” he said.
In a statement to Newstalk, Trinity said they support students’ right to protest so long as they do so “within the rules of the university".
They also said the income they derive from the Book of Kells is “vital” and the college “cannot survive solely on Government funding”.
“They like when we protest only in a non-disruptive, completely insignificant way that they want you to protest,” Mr Molnárfi said.
“The truth is that when we protest without disruption - when we write letters or sign petitions - they don’t listen to us.
“To disrupt this protest is the only protest that works.”
The €214,285 fine fine represents between 20-30% of TCDSU’s annual budget.
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Main image: Protestors at the Book of Kells Experience in Trinity College Dublin. Image: Rory Chinn/Trinity News
