Dear Professor Eastwood,
It has come to our attention that the University has suspended five students, following a demonstration that took place on campus on 29th January. Three of the suspensions have been lifted, but two students remain indefinitely suspended.
We are writing to express our deep concern at the practice of suspending students for exercising their right to free speech and their right to protest on campus. We are aware that there are allegations against the students but we understand that none of the suspended students have been found guilty of any crime. Suspension of students without any proof of their wrongdoing, and - crucially - without any right of appeal, is a breach of natural justice. The suspensions are premature, and risk the University appearing to be an environment where divergent, critical views are repressed and dealt with punitively, in contravention of basic notions of the presumption of innocence, fair trial, freedom of speech, freedom of protest, and openness to plurality of political opinion in a democracy.
All five students are in their final year and we can only imagine what dramatic effects the suspensions have had and will continue to have on their ability to perform to their best academic standard. Not reinstating the two remaining students will undoubtedly have negative effects not only short term, but also on their long term prospects.
In light of this, we, the undersigned, call on you, Professor Eastwood and the University of Birmingham, to reinstate the two remaining students with immediate effect.
Regards,
Yuki Akita Languages for All
Dr Daniele Albertazzi College of Arts and Law
Fran Amery Department of Political Science and International Studies
Professor Allan Anderson School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion
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