Sol Gamsu
@solgamsu.bsky.social
Sociologist/sociologue/soziologe of education (elites, geographies, social mobility, dreaming/fighting for another education).
Union rep UCU: organising in various capacities. Working/living in Durham/Newcastle mostly. https://linksta.cc/@Sol%20Gamsu
Union rep UCU: organising in various capacities. Working/living in Durham/Newcastle mostly. https://linksta.cc/@Sol%20Gamsu
Pinned
Sol Gamsu
@solgamsu.bsky.social
· Feb 27
If You Want the University to Change, Don't Theorise—Organise!
Organising as workers to build industrial power within our universities is a key element of how we respond to redundancies, marketisation and other political pressures on higher education. This piece...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
I wrote this for @bjsociology.bsky.social on organising in universities & the work we all need to do to defend & remake the university.
It's a reflection on being heavily involved in UCU with practical tips on what everyone can do, esp. now with redundancies.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
It's a reflection on being heavily involved in UCU with practical tips on what everyone can do, esp. now with redundancies.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
By a single line on the massive environmental impact of AI, its notorious hallucinations, or stealing everyone’s work. To be expected from university senior managers I suppose.
NEW on Wonkhe: There are legitimate use-cases for AI that deliver efficiency, but for Nick Jennings and Sam Grogan the real prize is active development of AI learning partnership skills buff.ly/UriccMh
November 10, 2025 at 8:37 AM
By a single line on the massive environmental impact of AI, its notorious hallucinations, or stealing everyone’s work. To be expected from university senior managers I suppose.
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
Despite the staggering costs of climate change, opposing climate policies on economic grounds is becoming an increasingly effective strategy for Europe’s far right.
✍ @tillhilmar.bsky.social @ifswien.bsky.social
blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2...
✍ @tillhilmar.bsky.social @ifswien.bsky.social
blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2...
Why the far right’s push for “climate realism” is winning political ground - EUROPP
Are climate policies damaging the economy? Despite the costs of climate change the far-right is winning ground by opposing climate policies on economic grounds.
blogs.lse.ac.uk
November 10, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Despite the staggering costs of climate change, opposing climate policies on economic grounds is becoming an increasingly effective strategy for Europe’s far right.
✍ @tillhilmar.bsky.social @ifswien.bsky.social
blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2...
✍ @tillhilmar.bsky.social @ifswien.bsky.social
blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2...
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
Local church is carpet bombing poppies for Jesus @remembrancewatch.bsky.social
November 1, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Local church is carpet bombing poppies for Jesus @remembrancewatch.bsky.social
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
WHERE'S.
YOUR.
FUCKING.
POPPY.
YOUR.
FUCKING.
POPPY.
November 2, 2025 at 11:33 AM
WHERE'S.
YOUR.
FUCKING.
POPPY.
YOUR.
FUCKING.
POPPY.
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
Can just imagine the meeting...
"How are we going to honour the fallen this year?
"Chuck some blankets on the roundahorses?"
"Perfect"
Cc @flagwankers.bsky.social
"How are we going to honour the fallen this year?
"Chuck some blankets on the roundahorses?"
"Perfect"
Cc @flagwankers.bsky.social
The roundabout horses have been dressed up again 🙃
@remembrancewatch.bsky.social
@remembrancewatch.bsky.social
November 6, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Can just imagine the meeting...
"How are we going to honour the fallen this year?
"Chuck some blankets on the roundahorses?"
"Perfect"
Cc @flagwankers.bsky.social
"How are we going to honour the fallen this year?
"Chuck some blankets on the roundahorses?"
"Perfect"
Cc @flagwankers.bsky.social
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
WHERE'S THAT SNOWMAN'S FUCKING POPPY?
Also... Why is there a snowman?
And why are the silhouettes all different sizes, what is this, Gulliver's Travels?
So many questions.
Also... Why is there a snowman?
And why are the silhouettes all different sizes, what is this, Gulliver's Travels?
So many questions.
On Flanders’s Fields, between the food & drink and the Pallet Deals… @remembrancewatch.bsky.social
November 6, 2025 at 5:43 PM
WHERE'S THAT SNOWMAN'S FUCKING POPPY?
Also... Why is there a snowman?
And why are the silhouettes all different sizes, what is this, Gulliver's Travels?
So many questions.
Also... Why is there a snowman?
And why are the silhouettes all different sizes, what is this, Gulliver's Travels?
So many questions.
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
I miss the Giant Poppy Watch Twitter account. This is outstanding. Or should that be upstanding 🤔
November 6, 2025 at 8:55 PM
I miss the Giant Poppy Watch Twitter account. This is outstanding. Or should that be upstanding 🤔
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
Found this incredible clip of A. Sivanandan on 'racial awareness training'.
A. Sivanandan on Racism Awareness Training
YouTube video by Pitchfork Cosmonaut
www.youtube.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Found this incredible clip of A. Sivanandan on 'racial awareness training'.
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
Flags and Christian nationalist slogans feature in soaring attacks on UK mosques
Flags and Christian nationalist slogans feature in soaring attacks on UK mosques
Between July and October, 25 buildings were targeted in 27 attacks, according to British Muslim Trust
*
UK politics live – latest updates
Attacks on mosques in the UK have soared in recent months, the government’s Islamophobia monitoring partner has said, with more than 40% of incidents featuring British or English flags and Christian nationalist symbols or slogans.
In the past three months, a mosque was set alight in East Sussex; in Merseyside the windows of a mosque were shot with an air gun while children were inside; in Greater Manchester, a paving slab was thrown at a window; and in Glasgow, a window was smashed with a metal pole. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 7, 2025 at 12:07 PM
Flags and Christian nationalist slogans feature in soaring attacks on UK mosques
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
After squandering millions on Castle Meadows purchase, University of Nottingham is now axing modern languages & music
It also plans to cut its nursing programme
Leaders of the bungleocracy continue to draw handsome salaries
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
It also plans to cut its nursing programme
Leaders of the bungleocracy continue to draw handsome salaries
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Music and modern languages courses suspended at University of Nottingham
In a statement the institution also says it is
www.bbc.co.uk
November 7, 2025 at 8:37 AM
After squandering millions on Castle Meadows purchase, University of Nottingham is now axing modern languages & music
It also plans to cut its nursing programme
Leaders of the bungleocracy continue to draw handsome salaries
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
It also plans to cut its nursing programme
Leaders of the bungleocracy continue to draw handsome salaries
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
Labour told us all to fuck off and alienated us constantly by being right wing ghouls in every conceivable policy decision now they’re crashing in their polls they want us back with a few weasel words? Doesn’t work like that Morgan.
November 7, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Labour told us all to fuck off and alienated us constantly by being right wing ghouls in every conceivable policy decision now they’re crashing in their polls they want us back with a few weasel words? Doesn’t work like that Morgan.
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
#OtD 7 Nov 1988 metal workers in Brazil began a sit-in strike for more pay and the reinstatement of workers sacked for their political beliefs. Two days later, army and police raided the plant, shooting and beating dozens of workers and killing three stories.workingclasshistory.com/article/1074...
November 7, 2025 at 11:40 AM
#OtD 7 Nov 1988 metal workers in Brazil began a sit-in strike for more pay and the reinstatement of workers sacked for their political beliefs. Two days later, army and police raided the plant, shooting and beating dozens of workers and killing three stories.workingclasshistory.com/article/1074...
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
October 2025 Globally,according to Copernicus,
had an average temperature of 15.14C which is +0.70C above the 1991/2020 normal and was the 3rd warmest on record behind 2023 and 2024.
The most above average country was Canada,the most below
was Albania.
had an average temperature of 15.14C which is +0.70C above the 1991/2020 normal and was the 3rd warmest on record behind 2023 and 2024.
The most above average country was Canada,the most below
was Albania.
November 7, 2025 at 11:43 AM
October 2025 Globally,according to Copernicus,
had an average temperature of 15.14C which is +0.70C above the 1991/2020 normal and was the 3rd warmest on record behind 2023 and 2024.
The most above average country was Canada,the most below
was Albania.
had an average temperature of 15.14C which is +0.70C above the 1991/2020 normal and was the 3rd warmest on record behind 2023 and 2024.
The most above average country was Canada,the most below
was Albania.
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
From a @ucunorthumbria.bsky.social member: "it is wrong to frame this as saying staff will have options, when all options correspond to a significant reduction from the status-quo, and the status-quo corresponds to decades long losses in academic pay. This endangers the future of the UK academia."
Northumbria University attempts to move employees to cheaper pension scheme to bring down sky-high contribution rates
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/northumbria-freeze-staff-pay-if-they-refuse-switch-pensions
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/northumbria-freeze-staff-pay-if-they-refuse-switch-pensions
November 7, 2025 at 11:43 AM
From a @ucunorthumbria.bsky.social member: "it is wrong to frame this as saying staff will have options, when all options correspond to a significant reduction from the status-quo, and the status-quo corresponds to decades long losses in academic pay. This endangers the future of the UK academia."
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
Le contenu généré par des machines désormais majoritaire sur Internet ?
https://contre-attaque.net/2025/11/07/le-contenu-genere-par-des-machines-desormais-majoritaire-sur-internet/ [1/2]
https://contre-attaque.net/2025/11/07/le-contenu-genere-par-des-machines-desormais-majoritaire-sur-internet/ [1/2]
Le contenu généré par des machines désormais majoritaire sur Internet ?
La proportion d'articles générés par IA ou par des humains sur Internet est désormais équivalente : l'IA déferle dans les médias.
contre-attaque.net
November 7, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Le contenu généré par des machines désormais majoritaire sur Internet ?
https://contre-attaque.net/2025/11/07/le-contenu-genere-par-des-machines-desormais-majoritaire-sur-internet/ [1/2]
https://contre-attaque.net/2025/11/07/le-contenu-genere-par-des-machines-desormais-majoritaire-sur-internet/ [1/2]
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
Our paper on clusters of schools across the UK is out.
We find five clusters: multi-racial & super-diverse middle & working-class schools of towns & cities, suburban white middle class schools, established elite schools & (post-)industrial white working class schools.
doi.org/10.1002/berj...
We find five clusters: multi-racial & super-diverse middle & working-class schools of towns & cities, suburban white middle class schools, established elite schools & (post-)industrial white working class schools.
doi.org/10.1002/berj...
August 5, 2025 at 8:56 AM
Our paper on clusters of schools across the UK is out.
We find five clusters: multi-racial & super-diverse middle & working-class schools of towns & cities, suburban white middle class schools, established elite schools & (post-)industrial white working class schools.
doi.org/10.1002/berj...
We find five clusters: multi-racial & super-diverse middle & working-class schools of towns & cities, suburban white middle class schools, established elite schools & (post-)industrial white working class schools.
doi.org/10.1002/berj...
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
We're calling it now. Isabel Kemp (Chair of the Adult Social Care Committee) has left Reform
Reform in Kent are now down to 48 from 57 in six months.
Reform in Kent are now down to 48 from 57 in six months.
November 5, 2025 at 10:18 PM
We're calling it now. Isabel Kemp (Chair of the Adult Social Care Committee) has left Reform
Reform in Kent are now down to 48 from 57 in six months.
Reform in Kent are now down to 48 from 57 in six months.
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
Support UCU’s strike at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Great turnout at what I’m guessing is the UK’s most northerly pickets!
#SaveUHI #SaveHE
Great turnout at what I’m guessing is the UK’s most northerly pickets!
#SaveUHI #SaveHE
How amazing was our picket line today?? We even had sparklers 💥
Thanks to everyone who joined us in support of our fight against staff cuts at @thinkuhi.bsky.social 💪 particularly @choochod.bsky.social from @ucuscotland.bsky.social
See you all on the 17th!
#SaveUHI #ThinkUHI
@ucu.org.uk
Thanks to everyone who joined us in support of our fight against staff cuts at @thinkuhi.bsky.social 💪 particularly @choochod.bsky.social from @ucuscotland.bsky.social
See you all on the 17th!
#SaveUHI #ThinkUHI
@ucu.org.uk
November 5, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
If you missed it, here’s the interim Principal talking about substantial future job cuts at University of Dundee.
He refers to the number of job losses recommended in the recovery plan. This is 390FTE with 340FTE via redundancies.
We believe redundancies are not necessary. #SaveHE #SaveDundeeUni
He refers to the number of job losses recommended in the recovery plan. This is 390FTE with 340FTE via redundancies.
We believe redundancies are not necessary. #SaveHE #SaveDundeeUni
November 5, 2025 at 7:56 PM
If you missed it, here’s the interim Principal talking about substantial future job cuts at University of Dundee.
He refers to the number of job losses recommended in the recovery plan. This is 390FTE with 340FTE via redundancies.
We believe redundancies are not necessary. #SaveHE #SaveDundeeUni
He refers to the number of job losses recommended in the recovery plan. This is 390FTE with 340FTE via redundancies.
We believe redundancies are not necessary. #SaveHE #SaveDundeeUni
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
Our brilliant post-graduate and casualised staff organisers are now here! Give them a follow: @qm-pact.bsky.social
November 6, 2025 at 8:46 AM
Our brilliant post-graduate and casualised staff organisers are now here! Give them a follow: @qm-pact.bsky.social
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
Hard to think that anybody with experience of UK university senior managements would have confidence that, left to themselves, they'd back academic freedom over an income stream.
China-critical UK academics describe ‘extremely heavy’ pressure from Beijing
Reliance on overseas students’ tuition fees under scrutiny as scholars describe chilling effect of being targeted
www.theguardian.com
November 6, 2025 at 8:09 AM
Hard to think that anybody with experience of UK university senior managements would have confidence that, left to themselves, they'd back academic freedom over an income stream.
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
This ballot is a ballot for the soul of the university. A university does not exist without its staff. Yet staff are the ones who are being cut or made to snap under pressure.
Enough.
In fighting for dignity for staff we are fighting for the university.
Join us and vote YES in the national ballot.
Enough.
In fighting for dignity for staff we are fighting for the university.
Join us and vote YES in the national ballot.
November 6, 2025 at 10:47 AM
This ballot is a ballot for the soul of the university. A university does not exist without its staff. Yet staff are the ones who are being cut or made to snap under pressure.
Enough.
In fighting for dignity for staff we are fighting for the university.
Join us and vote YES in the national ballot.
Enough.
In fighting for dignity for staff we are fighting for the university.
Join us and vote YES in the national ballot.
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
"the universities intend that London and South East niversity Group will use the existing legal names of the University of Greenwich and the University of Kent as the trading names for the two student-facing academic divisions corresponding to the current universities "
November 6, 2025 at 9:28 AM
"the universities intend that London and South East niversity Group will use the existing legal names of the University of Greenwich and the University of Kent as the trading names for the two student-facing academic divisions corresponding to the current universities "
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
As expected - Greenwich is applying to change its name to ‘London and South East University Group’. www.officeforstudents.org.uk/publications...
Kent is being absorbed into Greenwich. OfS label it a "merger"
The new setup wants to keep the brands - "University of Kent" and "University of Greenwich"
Kent is being absorbed into Greenwich. OfS label it a "merger"
The new setup wants to keep the brands - "University of Kent" and "University of Greenwich"
Proposed new legal name for the University of Greenwich - Office for Students
We are consulting on a proposed new legal name for the University of Greenwich.
www.officeforstudents.org.uk
November 6, 2025 at 9:28 AM
As expected - Greenwich is applying to change its name to ‘London and South East University Group’. www.officeforstudents.org.uk/publications...
Kent is being absorbed into Greenwich. OfS label it a "merger"
The new setup wants to keep the brands - "University of Kent" and "University of Greenwich"
Kent is being absorbed into Greenwich. OfS label it a "merger"
The new setup wants to keep the brands - "University of Kent" and "University of Greenwich"