The occupation of the Old Schools has continued today, with around two hundred people taking part.

In an important development, the occupation has received support from prominent members of the international community, as well as a number of academics at the University.

Noam Chomsky, linguist and political activist, Drucilla Cornell, professor of Political Science, Comparative Literature, and Women's Studies, and economist, Jeff Madrick, are among those who have signed an international petition expressing support for the occupation and its demands.

The international petition was set up by a Cambridge alumnus, now in the United States.

Over 80 academic staff at the University have signed a letter of support, organised by Priyamvada Gopal, lecturer in English and Dean of Churchill.

The letter, currently circulating among Cambridge academics, reads: “As academics and teachers at Cambridge university, we wish to express our support for the peaceful direct action currently underway in the symbolic 'occupation' of the Old Schools.

"This is a crucial moment for the future of higher education and young people all over the country are rightly attempting to make their voices heard and their concerns taken into account. We call on the University to ensure that no undue force is exercised against the students involved in the occupation.

"We urge the University to take note of their demands and urge the Vice-Chancellor toexpress opposition to the current government's destructive agenda for higher education.”

Gonville and Caius this evening agreed to re-open their library, which had been closed since yesterday.

Caius JCR also passed a motion in support of the occupation and its aims.

An MPhil graduation ceremony, which was scheduled to take place today in the Senate House, went ahead without any disruption or difficulties. Graduates and their families were invited to join protestors in the Senior Combination Room for tea and biscuits.

Cambridge Defend Education have also presented a list of eight demands to the University, which include the demands that “the University completely oppose the increase in fees, fight against it and fight against all cuts to education, and use its influence to oppose the spending review’s threat to education, welfare, health, and other public services” and that “the University use its influence to fight for free education for all.”

Protestors have estimated that the Senior Common Room was occupied by over a hundred people during the day. Protestors remain in control of the gate to the building, enabling students to come and go as they please.

Around two hundred people are planning to stay in the building over night.

Late last night protestors played a game of football on the Senate House Lawn.

A number of events are scheduled for tomorrow, including talks by Professor Richard Drayton and Raymond Geuss, Professor of Philosophy, as well as a workshop with UK Uncut, Non-violent direct action training, and music from The Staircase Band.