Many will have read this news from the University of Kent. Indeed yesterday morning we were summoned to meetings during which the outcomes were communicated. It's challenging to convey this news as it brings both positive and negative aspects.

The University has accepted only three of the many counterproposals:

-          The BA in Modern Languages will be retained;

-          The BAs in English Language and Linguistics (and its JH with English Literature) and the BA in Comparative Literature will be phased out but a new BA in English Language and Literatures will be introduced from 2025;

-          The MA in Forensic Osteology and Field Methods will be retained (Anthropology).

These retained courses are expected to operate with significantly reduced staff, for instance less than 50% of the current staff base for Modern Languages and English Language and Linguistics/Comparative Literature. This initiates another 30 days of consultation and a 'select-out' phase. Staff can opt to leave in July with Voluntary Redundancy or participate in the 'select-out', where those 'selected-out' will still be offered Voluntary Redundancy conditions.

This progress is a significant victory, achieved through the dedicated efforts of at-risk staff and some wonderfully supportive colleagues, union case workers, and our students who staged a commendable protest. Gratitude extends to colleagues nationwide and globally, petition signatories, as well as professional associations and learned societies. Your understanding and solidarity has helped us immensely in these trying times. Make no mistake, this was not achieved  by EG ‘through working together with staff’, as the news mentioned.

Now for the half empty part of the glass. The university remains astonishingly short-sighted regarding the other subjects on the list: Anthropology, Art History, Health & Social Care, Journalism, Music & Audio Technology, Philosophy, and Philosophy, Religion, and Ethics will be phased out.  ‘Students on the courses to be phased out will be supported with normal teaching and supervision through to the end of their degree’ says the news. The provided numbers for teaching-out, however, suggest otherwise, with only minimal staff retained on temporary contracts. Hardly what can be considered ‘normal teaching and supervision’.

While progress has been made, much remains to be addressed, and the struggle is ongoing. Voluntary and compulsory redundancies are becoming commonplace across the sector, reflecting a harsh neoliberal assault on knowledge, culture, and the future. Colleagues in other Universities are being sent redundancy documents that are still addressed to the University of Kent. The same consultants, the same people everywhere are razing British HE into the ground.

Despite saving some subjects and jobs locally for now, the overall situation is grim. For every colleague and friend who has been and will be made to walk the plank, the fight continues.

Photo by Henry Ryu