ARTISTS, celebrities and former students united with student campaigners yesterday as Central Saint Martins (CSM) occupiers faced being dragged to court today accused of “trespassing.”

A series of letters were sent condemning the University of the Arts London (UAL) for resorting to legal action against students protesting against cuts to over 800 foundation courses.

Twenty-five former student representatives told UAL the action was “disappointing” and “undermines the working relationship” between union and university.

This view will be echoed by a petition to be launched soon by screenwriters, musicians and artists, including photographers Rut Blees Luxemburg and Karen Knorr, fashion illustrator Jason Brooks and artist Bob & Roberta Smith.

A source also told the Star that celebrity philanthropist Bianca Jagger had also asked occupiers for the management’s phone numbers so that she could express her opposition to the cuts.

Further support came from the university’s branch of lecturers’ union UCU and National Union of Students president Toni Pearce, who called the university’s action “disproportionate,” as well as “alarming and unacceptable.”

Occupiers took over the reception of the CSM campus more than three weeks ago after being told of the decision to slash £500,000 from its foundation budget.

But despite campaigners’ attempts to negotiate with UAL management, 15 students are still being taken to the High Court with an injunction order.

Among the campaigners named in the legal action are the university’s student union officials.