We are concerned that the proposed changes to Statute would conflict with Sections VI and VII of the Recommendation regarding the Status of Higher Education Teaching Personnel adopted by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in Paris on 11 November 1997, with particular reference to the following:

“…the principle of academic freedom should be scrupulously observed” and “31. Higher-education teaching personnel should have the right and opportunity, without discrimination of any kind, according to their abilities, to take part in the governing bodies and to criticize the functioning of higher education institutions, including their own, …”

We believe that introducing ‘some other substantial reason’ for dismissal would jeopardise academic freedom.

Join the strike on 11, 12 and 13 October!

More details here: https://www.leedsucu.org.uk/archives/2640

Sign the petition here: http://speakout.web.ucu.org.uk/university-of-leeds-statutes-no-sackers-charter/