AVÊÓƵ

A AVÊÓƵ Spokesperson said:

"Over the past several weeks, the AVÊÓƵ has vigorously and unequivocally defended Professor Kathleen Stock's right to exercise her academic freedom and lawful freedom of speech, free from bullying and harassment of any kind. 

These freedoms and protections apply to and benefit us all, and we will defend them today and in the future. Rather than conflicting with our progress on equality, diversity and inclusion, these freedoms and protections are in place to support those with protected characteristics, particularly those who are under-represented or disadvantaged. Universities must remain places where everyone - staff or student - has the right to, and benefits from, lawful freedom of speech. 

The University has been consistent and clear that everyone in our community has the right to work and learn, free from bullying and harassment of any kind, which has not been the case for Professor Stock. 

We had hoped that Professor Stock would feel able to return to work, and we would have supported her to that end; we regret that it has not been possible for her to do so. There were no substantive allegations of wrongdoing made against her.   

Professor Stock leaves the AVÊÓƵ with our gratitude for her significant contributions as a teacher and academic. Professor Stock’s successes in the field of philosophy have been of great benefit to the University.  Her departure is a loss. 

While the events that have led us here have been extremely difficult, we are determined to learn from them, and we would hope that other organisations might also do so.  As a values-led organisation, Sussex will continue to find new ways for our community to come together, no matter how much we disagree or how challenging the issue. "