Today News Journal
    What's Hot

    Belvidere Jeep factory shuts down in one casualty of EV transition

    March 23, 2023

    When a client is a little too curious about the work you do

    March 23, 2023

    Filed an amended tax return with the IRS? You have a 20-week wait.

    March 23, 2023
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Today News Journal
    Contact Us
    • Home
    • Trending
    • Business
    • Health
    • Technology
      • Automobile
      • Gadgets
      • Mobiles
      • Robotics
    • Lifestyle
      • Culture
    • Sports
    • Travel
    • Editorials
    • News
      • Politics
    Today News Journal
    Home » Trending » Durham Students accuse university of ‘systemic cover-up’ following controversy over Rod Liddle
    Trending

    Durham Students accuse university of ‘systemic cover-up’ following controversy over Rod Liddle

    James MartinBy James MartinMarch 11, 2022No Comments6 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr WhatsApp VKontakte Email
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email


    Durham University has said it will undertake a review into its policies for inviting external speakers, following a dramatic row in the aftermath of students walking out of columnist Rod Liddle’s after-dinner speech in December.

    But protesters said the university is seeking a ‘systemic cover-up’ of the controversy, arguing it has failed to support marginalised students throughout. 

    At the time, South College principal Professor Tim Luckhurst was criticised for yelling ‘pathetic’ as students left the talk, even though most were unaware that Mr Liddle would be speaking when they chose to attend.

    Durham University students stage a protest at South College for a 'safer more inclusive Durham University' after columnist Rod Liddle's appearance at South College

    Durham University students stage a protest at South College for a ‘safer more inclusive Durham University’ after columnist Rod Liddle’s appearance at South College

    He stepped back from his duties, but has since resumed them at the start of the academic term. 

    After the talk, footage emerged of Professor Luckhurst and his wife Dorothy Luckhurst talking to students in a bid to calm them down.

    They appeared to be helping them understand universities are supposed to be bastions of free speech.

    The youths stood with their mouths wide open as Professor Luckhurst spoke before his wife interrupted him.

    She asked: ‘What are you frightened of you silly… what are you frightened of?’ One of the students squealed back: ‘What do you mean?’

    The rest of their exchange was inaudible but Mrs Luckhurst went on to repeat the word ‘a***’.

    Mrs Luckhurst explained the video left out the context of the chat in which the vicious students hurled insults at the couple.

    At the time, South College principal Professor Tim Luckhurst (pictured) was criticised for yelling 'pathetic' as students left the talk

    At the time, South College principal Professor Tim Luckhurst (pictured) was criticised for yelling ‘pathetic’ as students left the talk

    She said the ‘baying’ mob called her a ‘b***h’ and left her intimidated and frightened as they swarmed around them.

    She told the Times: ‘I shouldn’t have said what I did but it had been a long day and it was very tense.’

    According to a report from student newspaper Palatinate, during his after-dinner speech Mr Liddle said that when it comes to gender, the left is against ‘science or pure facts’, adding: ‘A person with an X and a Y chromosome, that has a long, dangling penis, is scientifically a man, and that is pretty much, scientifically, the end of the story.’ 

    In January, the university refused to comment on the result of its investigation into the row, and would only say that it would be ‘inappropriate to comment on what remains a confidential and ongoing process’.

    But on Thursday, Durham released a statement saying it will now review its processes for engaging with external speakers, adding that it does not intend ‘to exclude any speakers from our campus’.

    Durham confirmed that it would not be publishing details of Professor Luckhurst’s involvement in the incident, but said that as a university it ‘must constantly strive to establish a culture which is underpinned by respect and by our values’ and that this included ‘taking pride’ in how ideas were discussed and debated, ‘including those that we may find challenging’.

    ‘We should ensure that as an educational institution we allow our students opportunities to openly debate so that ideas and views can be heard and contested respectfully,’ the statement added.

    Durham University has said it will undertake a review into its policies for inviting external speakers, following a dramatic row in the aftermath of students walking out of columnist Rod Liddle's (pictured) after-dinner speech in December

    Durham University has said it will undertake a review into its policies for inviting external speakers, following a dramatic row in the aftermath of students walking out of columnist Rod Liddle’s (pictured) after-dinner speech in December

    Tom Allen, master of Grey College, will now undertake a review of how ‘we engage external speakers for college-based events’ but this will not lead to excluding speakers from the university.

    ‘Rather, the focus will be on providing clarity as to how students and the wider college community are engaged, including the appropriateness of the forum for any speaker and ensuring appropriate information is provided in advance to attendees,’ the university said.

    Students said the university response smacks of a ‘systemic cover-up’.

    South College student Niall Hignett, an organiser of protests on the issue during post-offer open days, told the PA news agency that the university had said it would deal with the matter ‘swiftly’.

    He added: ‘And what we’ve actually seen is delay, delay, delay.

    ‘To be honest, I’m really disappointed with the statement. It’s frankly embarrassing.’

    Mr Hignett said the issue was not about free speech, ‘it’s about student welfare and wellbeing – because the event wasn’t an academic setting; there was no room there for academic debate’.

    He added that in the university’s statement, multiple references were made to freedom of speech.

    Mr Hignett said: ‘Our main contention now is that Tim Luckhurst was shouting at students – he showed himself to be incredibly unprofessional.’

    He said the review of the existing investigation was ‘a complete abdication of responsibility’ and a ‘systemic cover-up’.

    In their statement, the university management had shown themselves to be ‘puppets of culture war proponents’ while failing to support marginalised students, he added.

    Students have planned protests on post-offer visit days on March 22 and 23.

    Student ambassadors on the days have been advised to be ‘professional in your outlook when asked about the protests and any other issues’, adding: ‘Your personal opinion may have to be separated from your position as an employee.’

    Sara L Uckelman, associate professor of philosophy at Durham, and equalities co-officer for Durham University and College Union, said the union ‘will certainly be continuing to press the Durham University management for a clear and unambiguous statement that the behaviour that was seen at the South College formal last December is unacceptable and will not be tolerated’.

    ‘There is no way that the university can credibly claim that they are serious about providing an open and undiscriminating environment that is supportive of everyone – no matter class, gender, race, sex, or gender – if they do not unequivocally condemn this behaviour.

    ‘It goes against everything that DUCU supports, including equality and the right to all students and employees to study and work free from harassment and abuse.’

    Durham students at a protest following Rod Liddle's speech last December. student protesters said the university is seeking a 'systemic cover-up' of the controversy, arguing it has failed to support marginalised students throughout

    Durham students at a protest following Rod Liddle’s speech last December. student protesters said the university is seeking a ‘systemic cover-up’ of the controversy, arguing it has failed to support marginalised students throughout

    She added that it was ‘not enough’ for management to say they would make recommendations to the senate on how guest speakers were engaged for events.

    ‘They must also say why no such policy existed before now, or – if one does – why it was not followed.

    ‘It is also not enough for the management to say that they cannot comment on any individual consequences that may happen as a part of a disciplinary matter (which we of course recognise and accept); they must also say what positive steps they are going to do to provide redress to the students affected by the South College events.

    ‘An apology from the university management, who provided the environment which allowed this event to occur, wouldn’t go amiss.’

    A spokesman for Durham University said: ‘Sara Uckelman calls upon the university to make a ‘clear and unambiguous statement that the behaviour that was seen at the South College formal last December is unacceptable and will not be tolerated’.

    ‘This appears to ignore that as far back as December we stated that we were ‘concerned at reports that the behaviours exhibited at the occasion fall short of those that we expect’.

    MailOnline has reached out to Durham University for comment. 



    Source link

    Related posts:

    1. Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant: everything we need to know
    2. Nineteen children hospitalized after car crashes into preschool in California
    3. RUSSIA-UKRAINE LIVE: Fire at nuclear power plant and shoppers search for Ukrainian vodka
    4. PayPal suspends services in Russia as Great Cancellation of Putin continues
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr WhatsApp Email
    Previous ArticleNational Siblings Day: How to help siblings get along better
    Next Article Intel NUC 12 Extreme review: A powerful DIY mini-desktop for creators and gamers alike
    James Martin
    • Website

    Related Posts

    Russia warns of ‘fewer and fewer steps to a NUCLEAR collision’ 

    March 21, 2023

    Ed Sheeran breaks down in tears as he opens up on wife Cherry Seaborn and late friend Jamal Edwards

    March 21, 2023

    Carla Bruni trashes Paris’s mayor…by mocking out-of-control garbage crisis

    March 21, 2023

    Charles Spencer shares clip of sheep at Althorp – while his daughter preps for South Africa wedding

    March 21, 2023

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Search
    Categories
    • Automobile
    • Business
    • Coronavirus
    • Culture
    • Editorials
    • Finance
    • Gadgets
    • Health
    • Lifestyle
    • Mobiles
    • Money
    • News
    • Politics
    • Sports
    • Technology
    • Travel
    • Trending
    • World
    Latest Posts

    Belvidere Jeep factory shuts down in one casualty of EV transition

    March 23, 2023

    When a client is a little too curious about the work you do

    March 23, 2023

    Filed an amended tax return with the IRS? You have a 20-week wait.

    March 23, 2023

    Lindsay Lohan, Jake Paul face SEC charges over crypto ads

    March 23, 2023
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    Don't Miss
    News

    Belvidere Jeep factory shuts down in one casualty of EV transition

    By James MartinMarch 23, 20230

    Workers and small businesses in Belvidere, Ill., are dealing with the aftermath of mass layoffs,…

    When a client is a little too curious about the work you do

    March 23, 2023

    Filed an amended tax return with the IRS? You have a 20-week wait.

    March 23, 2023

    Lindsay Lohan, Jake Paul face SEC charges over crypto ads

    March 23, 2023
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    About Us

    Hello friends, I am James Martin. Welcome to my blog todaynewsjournal.com. We are a team of experienced journalists who are passionate about delivering the latest news and current events to our readers. Our editorial team is dedicated to providing the most accurate and up-to-date information possible. We aim to be your go-to source for news and current events. Here on this site, You will get up to date information regarding all important categories like business ideas, health tips,... (Read More)

    Latest News

    Belvidere Jeep factory shuts down in one casualty of EV transition

    March 23, 2023

    When a client is a little too curious about the work you do

    March 23, 2023

    Filed an amended tax return with the IRS? You have a 20-week wait.

    March 23, 2023
    SIGN UP NEWSLETTER

    Join The Conversation sign up to receive emails for The Daily special tips general info.

      Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest
      • Home
      • Editorials
      • Get In Touch

      Copyright © 2021-2023 · Today News Journal Privacy Policy

      Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

      We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
      Cookie SettingsAccept All
      Manage consent

      Privacy Overview

      This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
      Necessary
      Always Enabled
      Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
      CookieDurationDescription
      cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
      cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
      cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
      cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
      cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
      viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
      Functional
      Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
      Performance
      Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
      Analytics
      Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
      Advertisement
      Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
      Others
      Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
      SAVE & ACCEPT

      Sign In or Register

      Welcome Back!

      Login to your account below.

      Lost password?