Provost statement
Since the concerns of Jason Haye were raised with the Provost, a number of discussions have taken place between the Provost, Jason, the UCS Union and the Department involved. We are all in agreement that the most important outcome is that lessons must be learnt from the incident for the future, to ensure that no student is made to feel uncomfortable in this manner again. We are, with the help of Ben Adofo, President of the Students’ Union, reviewing guidelines for visiting speakers and hosts of future events, and staff training will be provided where necessary. UCS recognises that whilst a formal complaint hasn’t been made, the university could have dealt better with Jason’s concerns and the Provost has apologised to Jason.
With support from Ben Adofo, and in line with normal practice, the students themselves will be deciding exactly how the money that was raised through the Art Auction for the student shows will be spent.
As an academic institution UCS is keen for issues to be debated but will ensure that it happens in an environment of respect and courtesy. This evening (9 May), both Jason and the Dean of Faculty for Arts, Business and Applied Social Science, Professor Simon Hallsworth, are participating in the Red Room Platforms event in Ipswich to debate some of the issues that have been raised.
This position has been agreed by all parties involved, and UCS will not be issuing any further statements regarding this matter.
