Durham University accused of ‘cover-up’ over review of guest speakers

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. According to a report from student newspaper Palatinate, during his after-dinner speech Mr Liddle said that when it comes to gender, the left is against “science or pure facts”, adding: “A person with an X and a Y chromosome, that has a long, dangling penis, is scientifically a man, and that is pretty much, scientifically, the end of the story.” We should ensure that as an educational institution we allow our students opportunities to openly debate so that ideas and views can be heard and contested respectfully Durham University statement At the time, South College principal Professor Tim Luckhurst was criticised for calling students “pathetic” for walking out, even though most were unaware that Mr Liddle would be speaking when they chose to attend. It's frankly embarrassing South College student Niall Hignett Students said the university response smacks of a “systemic cover-up”. Student ambassadors on the days have been advised to be “professional in your outlook when asked about the protests and any other issues”, adding: “Your personal opinion may have to be separated from your position as an employee.” Sara L Uckelman, associate professor of philosophy at Durham, and equalities co-officer for Durham University and College Union, said the union “will certainly be continuing to press the Durham University management for a clear and unambiguous statement that the behaviour that was seen at the South College formal last December is unacceptable and will not be tolerated”. “An apology from the university management, who provided the environment which allowed this event to occur, wouldn’t go amiss.” A spokesman for Durham University said: “Sara Uckelman calls upon the university to make a ‘clear and unambiguous statement that the behaviour that was seen at the South College formal last December is unacceptable and will not be tolerated’.