A group of current and previous sabbatical Officers of the University of Sheffield’s Students’ Union have accused the University’s executive of failing to provide a duty of care to students and alumni affected by the conflict in Gaza.
In a letter sent to the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Koen Lamberts, and other members of the executive management, they expressed their “profound concern and dismay” due to the “the absence of a public statement or evident action” to support those affected.
In particular, they ‘enquired upon the welfare’ of the ten current and former students who have received the Gaza scholarship. This is the University’s annual scheme to offer one placement of fully-paid tuition and accommodation, as well as a maintenance grant of £4,000, to one student from Gaza, which began in 2013.
They addressed four primary concerns. Within the UK, they wish the University to address a “lapse” in the University’s duty of care to alumni and for them to provide “comprehensive support” for affected current and former students.
Globally, they ask for the University to “establish and maintain communication” with affected alumni who reside outside of Britain, to ensure they “are safe and supported”, as well as “providing full support”, including legal and financial assistance, to prospective students from Gaza and students who might be stuck in Gaza.
The group say they “look forward to [the University’s] response addressing these concerns” and the “concrete steps [they will] be taking”.
