Indymedia York

Students who took part in the "No Share in Killing" Day of Action are celebrating the success of their campaign following the University's agreement to create a new investment policy. Ric Lander from People & Planet said "this is exactly what we wanted: the University is not only willing to negotiate a timetable for divestment in arms dealers, they want students to be involved in a creating a new stringent ethical investment policy.

"This would not have been possible without the overwhelming support showed by students. We collected over 1000 signatures in one day - that is unprecedented for what people call an 'apathetic' campus."

© David Martin

Following the "die-in" protest inside Heslington Hall (pictured), the University Registrar agreed to meet with representatives from FreeSoc, Student Action for Palestine, Amnesty International, People & Planet, and the Students' Union. In reference to that meeting, the registrar Sally Neocosmos said: "We have set up a working group of students and staff to work towards an ethical investment policy for the university.

"The first meeting will be held before the end of the month, and we hope to make rapid progress on this issue, in line with a number of other UK universities."

She expressed confidence the ability of the working group to succeed, noting that the uni would not be entering "uncharted waters" with regards to its investments. The working group will also aim to increase transparency.

Micky Armstrong, student union president, said: "This is a really positive step, and the university seems more than willing to listen and sit down with students, and find out how they think they should change their investments.