Demand that Uni of Leeds cancels punitive action against pro-Palestine Prof. James Dickins

Demand that Uni of Leeds cancels punitive action against pro-Palestine Prof. James Dickins

The Issue

The University of Leeds is proposing that Professor Dickins, a dedicated advocate for Palestinian human rights, be stripped of his status as Emeritus Professor. This action follows a demand by Emma Levy, President of Leeds Universities Jewish Society, that the University cut its ties with Professor Dickins.  By this action the University is signalling its intention to clamp down on expressions of support for the Palestinians. Professor Dickins, until recently Chair of Leeds branch of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, is a long-time member of the University’s staff. 

What was his alleged ‘crime’? – that in a social media posting in February he gave the address on campus at which an organiser for the Israel-lobby group StandWithUs, notorious for its harassment and targeting of students and scholars who support Palestinian rights, was due to speak. The University claims that this amounted to incitement to cause a disturbance, with consequent risk to the building and the people inside it.

But there was no incitement in Professor Dickins’ post. And nor was there any disturbance at the StandWithUs meeting, which passed off without incident.

The University’s action is an attack on a principled member of the University community and also on freedom of expression. It has all the signs of being a response to the call by then Secretary of State for Education Gillian Keegan’s call to Vice-Chancellors to be vigilant against expressions of support for Palestine.

We call on the University to withdraw its vindictive attack on Professor Dickins, and to recall its duty under multiple Acts of Parliament to protect both freedom of expression and academic freedom.

For further background to this case click here.

10,481

The Issue

The University of Leeds is proposing that Professor Dickins, a dedicated advocate for Palestinian human rights, be stripped of his status as Emeritus Professor. This action follows a demand by Emma Levy, President of Leeds Universities Jewish Society, that the University cut its ties with Professor Dickins.  By this action the University is signalling its intention to clamp down on expressions of support for the Palestinians. Professor Dickins, until recently Chair of Leeds branch of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, is a long-time member of the University’s staff. 

What was his alleged ‘crime’? – that in a social media posting in February he gave the address on campus at which an organiser for the Israel-lobby group StandWithUs, notorious for its harassment and targeting of students and scholars who support Palestinian rights, was due to speak. The University claims that this amounted to incitement to cause a disturbance, with consequent risk to the building and the people inside it.

But there was no incitement in Professor Dickins’ post. And nor was there any disturbance at the StandWithUs meeting, which passed off without incident.

The University’s action is an attack on a principled member of the University community and also on freedom of expression. It has all the signs of being a response to the call by then Secretary of State for Education Gillian Keegan’s call to Vice-Chancellors to be vigilant against expressions of support for Palestine.

We call on the University to withdraw its vindictive attack on Professor Dickins, and to recall its duty under multiple Acts of Parliament to protect both freedom of expression and academic freedom.

For further background to this case click here.

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10,481


Supporter Voices

Featured Comments

Avatar of Aimee
Aimee, Gloucester
1 year ago
Notonoglie Aëdonoghue
Avatar of Anna
Anna, Coventry
11 months ago
Stop universities trying to silence voices which call for justice.
Avatar of Edris
Edris, Dewsbury
1 year ago
It's about time all people should be heard equally and have the same rights as others, shutting down different points of views is not going to help harmony in our society and the world 🌍

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