Leeds University UCU (the lecturers’ union) has issued the following statement in solidarity with Prof. James Dickins, and condemning the University’s failure to follow due process in his case.

Solidarity with Professor Emeritus James Dickins

17 July 2024

We stand in solidarity with Professor Emeritus James Dickins, a dedicated scholar and advocate for Palestinian human rights. The University of Leeds’ recommendation to revoke his emeritus status is unwarranted. Professor Dickins did not encourage any protest at Hillel House and he has a long history of promoting academic freedom.

This case highlights the failure of due process: Professor Dickins was not given any evidence in support of the complaint against him although he provided evidence that contradicts the complaint. Professor Dickins was not given any information about the right of appeal or a timeline for appeal. Finally, there is no information about the procedure for revoking emeritus status in Statutes and Ordinances, so it is not at all clear what process the University has followed.

Transparency and fairness are essential values in institutions of Higher Education but they do not seem to have been followed by the University of Leeds in this case. We demand a transparent process, clearly established in Statutes and Ordinances.