Due defence (From The Argus)

Due defence

3:17pm Thursday 11th March 2010 in

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I would like to correct Andrew Burnyeat’s assertion (Letters, March 10) that the University of Sussex students who were suspended following an occupation protest on campus “will not get a chance to defend themselves in any kind of hearing”.

These students will be going through the university’s student disciplinary processes, which include the right to a hearing and representation in front of a duly constituted panel. Some actions may need to await the outcome of current police investigations.

Suspension and exclusion have been used in this case as a precautionary measure to prevent further disruptive occupations. The students can of course make representations on the decision. But this is not a punishment or a final judgment on the actions of these individuals.

The University is of course mindful of the academic circumstances of individual students involved. The specific terms of their suspension and exclusion are being reviewed and will be adjusted to allow them to participate in academic activities and fulfil their academic requirements, while the disciplinary processes are carried through.

Professor Paul Layzell, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton