This Branch Notes: 

• The University has pushed staff across the university to support the use of AI by students and staff; in some cases, putting staff in positions where they are pressured to use it in their teaching, research or administrative practice by colleagues or supervisors. 

• That this is in direct conflict with the University’s Environmental Policy; while recognising the positive potential of AI, data centres still have a substantial impact on the environment. This includes the consumption of a considerable amount of water. This is a problem in a country in which the Environmental Agency has raised grave concerns over severe water shortages over the coming decades, but will see an expansion of data centres over the same time frame. 

• Further, it does not take into account the limitations of this technology. There are legitimate ethical concerns, such as its use in producing false information, reinforcing discriminatory stereotypes, and the unauthorised use of intellectual property, to name only a few. 

This Branch Resolves to: 

• Notwithstanding that there may be legitimate use cases that may be agreed with members of staff, ensure that the University does not mandate that any member of staff use or teach AI; nor can staff be mandated to use it by any Faculty, School or Professional Service within the University. 

• Pressure the University to engage in legitimate and honest discussion regarding and supports research into the environmental impact of data centres.   

• Pressure the University to engage in legitimate and honest discussion regarding and supports research into the ethical concerns of AI, as noted in the fourth bullet point above. 

(248 words before amendment) Proposed by Anne Caldwell. Moved by Anne Caldwell, seconded by Kate Hardy. The motion was carried at the Extraordinary General Meeting 21 January 2026.

This page was last updated on 15 September 2026