An Urgent Call From Students for the Immediate Resolution to the Ongoing Dispute at the Arthur Findlay College

To the Leadership of the Spiritualist National Union (SNU) and Arthur Findlay College,

We, the undersigned students and supporters of the Arthur Findlay College (AFC), wish to express our profound concern and dismay over the current situation unfolding at the college. 

We believe recent developments and reports have made it clear that the leadership under the current SNU President, has created an environment that is detrimental not only to the tutors but also to the students who rely on AFC as a beacon of spiritual growth and education.

It is with great sadness that we have learned that over 30% of the college’s most respected tutors, many of whom are internationally renowned and have dedicated their lives to Spiritualism, have felt compelled to temporarily withdraw their services. 

We believe this ongoing dispute has already had a tangible negative impact on the college and its wonderful staff. Many students have confirmed their intention to be refunded and not rebook until this dispute is resolved. 

The tutors have cited untenable working conditions as the primary reason for their unprecedented action. However, at least one former AFC tutor not currently affiliated with the college or this dispute, also reported instances of bullying as well as nepotism.

This petition is entirely independent of the 20 tutors who are involved in the dispute. However, as students, we have witnessed the situation from afar, and we have seen how it has disrupted the spiritual and educational environment at the college.

We also believe recent actions taken by the President—such as teaching an excessive number of weeks at the college and promoting friends to positions of power on committees—are indications of leadership that prioritizes personal power over the well-being of the college, its students, and its esteemed faculty. 

For example, we believe the recent removal of pictures of the tutors involved in the dispute from the college’s hallway combined with the placement of the President's picture in a dominant position at the top of the wall is not only symbolic but also a demonstration of dictatorial and self-serving behaviour that has no place in an institution dedicated to spiritual growth and community.

We demand that immediate steps be taken to resolve this dispute:

1. Immediate Resolution: President Jackie Wright must make it an immediate priority to allow the tutors to return to their teaching roles under improved conditions, addressing their concerns and grievances and finding a fair and just resolution to this dispute. If a mediation process has not been started, it should be of the highest urgency.  
   
   
2. Investigation: An independent investigation into allegations of bullying, nepotism, illegal dismissal attempts, and violation of college bylaws must be conducted. The findings should be made public, and appropriate actions should be taken based on the results of the investigation.
   
   
3. Accountability: We understand and accept that Jackie Wright has been recently re-elected to the SNU Presidency. The leadership of AFC should be entrusted to individuals who are committed to the college’s mission, values, and the well-being of its community. If the President is found to have engaged in any wrongful behaviour, we believe she should resign with immediate effect.

When Arthur Findlay bequeathed Stansted Hall to the SNU in 1964, he did so with the goodwill and intention of advancing psychic science and studies for the benefit of humanity. Fostering spiritual growth and nurturing a community of learning that honors the values and principles of Spiritualism.

As students and benefactors of Mr. Findlay’s generous gift, the signatories of this petition stand in full support of the tutors who have bravely spoken out and taken a stand. 

Until the dispute is resolved, we will reconsider our attendance at future AFC courses, as upsetting and frustrating as it may be for our own development.

Sincerely,

Simon Barrette 

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