In addition to preventing access to the University’s gym and swimming pool, affected students are also effectively barred by this policy from taking part in activities that do not require access to the building
https://www.change.org/p/more-glasgow-gmail-com-make-glasgow-university-gym-accessible-to-all-students
MORE (Migrants Organising for Rights and Empowerment) and GRASS (Glasgow Refugee Asylum Seeker Solidarity) are calling upon Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal of Glasgow University who confirmed in his New Year's message that the University will be working on its Institute of Health and Wellbeing, whilst continuing the exceptional work that ensures students benefit from the full university experience by making University of Glasgow a better place to study and enjoy their time.
However Principal Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli positive message conflicts with the University's immovable and long-standing gym policy which requires students to pay £125.00 upfront. This exclusionary policy weaponizes poverty, and especially excludes asylum seeking students who are forbidden by the Home Office to engage in paid employment. Asylum seekers students are prohibited from receiving SAS, are given £37.75 per week, and others have absolutely no access to cash!!!
Ironically this policy prohibits students not only from using the gym but other sports/social activities which contribute to positive health and wellbeing for example, the hill walking club which has absolutely no connection to the gym.
A growing number of students are reporting mental health problems and it is deeply alarming that suicide numbers had nearly doubled in the past decade according to Mark Slater, spokesman for the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
We are calling on Principal Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli who is a proponent of health and wellbeing to honour his New Year’s message by abolishing the current exclusionary policy by making it possible for Asylum Seeking students to pay monthly instalments without an interest charge thus, ensuring Glasgow University is a better place for all students to study and enjoy their time. including those seeking Asylum.
Press coverage here:
https://glasgowguardian.co.uk/2019/03/04/petition-launched-to-improve-gym-access-for-asylum-seeking-students/