University of Huddersfield – Prince Andrew Steps Down as Chancellor
Prince Andrew has been chancellor of the University of Huddersfield since 2015, though following backlash after a BBC interview about his friendship with US financier Jeffrey Epstein, he has decided to step down.
He said he would step back from royal duties for the “foreseeable future”, a decision that was described by Buckingham Palace as “personal” and was taken following discussions with the Queen and Prince Charles.
Earlier this week, students at the University of Huddersfield called for the prince to be sacked as their chancellor.
In a statement, the University said: “Due to the circumstances and in discussion with the university, he has decided to step down immediately to allow the university to appoint a successor…the university would like to thank the Duke for his work during his period as chancellor.”
Other organisations have also announced that they are cutting ties with the prince, including ‘The Outward Bound Trust’ and ‘The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions’.
Amelia Cutting – News Editor
University of Oxford – Blind Student Forcefully Removed from University Debate
On the 17th October, blind postgraduate student Ebenezer Azamati was forcefully removed from an Oxford debate.
The 25 year old from Ghana had reserved a seat before the debate, but when he returned to his seat he was dragged away “by his ankles” by the campus security guards in an unnecessarily forceful manner.
Security claimed that there was no space left in the union for Mr. Azamati. Yet, the way he was manhandled has left him feeling “unwelcome in the union, Oxford and even the country.”
The president of the union, Brendon McGrath has resigned after a petition for his impeachment reached the needed 150 signatures for a vote to be taken amongst union members. McGrath initially accused Mr. Azamati of acting in a violent manner, but has since retracted this statement, instead saying he “failed to ensure that every member feels welcome at the Oxford Union”.
Lucy Abbott
University of Glasgow – String of Sex Attacks Leads to Tighter Security Measures
In the west end of Glasgow there have been four recent sexual assaults, all of which have taken place near the university campus. As a result, the university has increased security patrols and have improved lighting on campus in an attempt to reduce safety concerns amongst students and staff alike.
The University of Glasgow posted on Twitter that: “Incidents like this are rare and student and staff safety is of the utmost importance to the university”. The university added: “We work extremely close with Police Scotland and we have increased security patrols and improved lighting on campus”.
A 34 year old man, known as Parvinder Singh, was arrested and charged in connection with three sexual assaults that took place on the 17th, 24th and 31st October this year. Singh is expected to appear in court in due course.
A spokesperson for the university has said: “If you have any concerns or information to report, please contact our security team on 01413304282 or Police Scotland 101”.
Charly Loughlin – News Editor
North West Regional College – Irish Student Graduates at 71 Years Old
A 71-year-old former teacher has graduated from North West Regional College. The College was established in 2007 and contains five campuses in Northern Ireland. Mrs. Anne Loveday has attended the Londonderry campus, where she studied for a diploma in textile design. This is Mrs. Loveday’s second qualification in four years, having previously received a diploma in fine art.
After losing her husband Colin seven years ago, the graduate said that it was “about having a goal and somewhere to go”. Her mature age meant that many students would come to her for advice and she would organise a ‘tea club’ in between lectures.
The mother-of-two from Inishowen, County Donegal did not let her age deter her from gaining an education and believes that “If you’re interested in something go for it, go along to the open days and see what there is on offer.”
Even after achieving two diplomas, Mrs. Loveday still keeps herself busy by attending a pottery class on Tuesdays.
Kinga Glasek
Queen’s University – Belfast University Picks up Royal Honour
Queen’s University in Belfast has been awarded a major academic honour for its work on shared education. Their ‘Centre for Shared Education’ was given the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for further and higher education.
Shared education is where pupils from separate schools who are from different backgrounds take part in joint classes and activities. According to the Department of Education, the purpose of shared education is to promote equality of opportunity, promote respect for identity, diversity and community cohesion and deliver educational benefits to children and young persons.
Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) published a review in 2018 which found that almost 60,000 pupils and approximately 580 schools take part in shared education projects.
Their achievement was officially announced last week and will be presented at Buckingham Palace in February 2020.
The award is presented every two years by the Queen to honour outstanding academic work and is part of the UK’s national honours system.
Charly Loughlin – News Editor
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