Silly Sussex
From Mrs Margaret Rooke
Sir: I write to draw attention to a serious threat to the academic standing of our universities.
The students of the international relations department of the University of Sussex wish to participate in the selection of their new professor. They are demanding that he should be, among other things, 'politically radical ' in his views. This is a classic case of political discrimination.
The university authorities have replied that the selection coin mitee should be influenced by student feeling. Educable' was the word used. Sussex authorities are not famous for their moral courage. If the students' demand is not refused Sussex international relations department will become an assembly of people who reinforce one anothers' prejudices at public expense and describe this as education. The elimination of variety of opinion at Sussex will take another step forward. The consequences for the whole academic community will be impossible to calculate. At other places dons determined on nothing except not displeasing their students will find themselves ready to allow such political discrimination if they can say that Sussex has provided a precedent. As a Sussex graduate I have particular reason to wish to draw attention to this matter and to hope that the institution will keep sope academic standing. Margaret Rooke 11 Oxhay View, May Bank, Newcastle-upon-Lyme, Staffs
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