First Minister backs university over expulsion plan
The University of Edinburgh’s decision to issue students with a “final warning” of suspension or exclusion if they are found to have breached Covid- 19 restrictions has been backed by the First Minister and the Scottish Government.
Among the measures introduced by the university include the banning of food being taken away from the catered halls and the removal of all outdoor seating at Pollock Halls.
Students were warned they faced an immediate suspension and exclusion from university accommodation if they were found to be breaching the
“rule of six” restrictions.
Nicola Sturgeon said the decision was the the right one.
She added that there is a balance to be struck between discipline and ensuring students do come forward when they exhibit symptoms.
Speaking at her daily coronavirus briefing, the First Minister said: “I think universities are rightly taking the risk of transmission amongst the student population very seriously.
“And I think students have to be very clear about the dos and don’ts, not because we’re trying to blame young people or trying to curtail anybody’s social life, and many moons
ago now but as a former university student I know how important everything is that goes around university life so it gives nobody any pleasure to try to restrict people.
“Universities have to be very clear with students and students themselves have to be clear about the risks and how to minimise those risks.
“I think all universities would say there is a balance to be struck between being very clear that there could be consequences of students flagrantly breaching the rules versus [ the fact that] we want students to come forward if they do have symptoms and do have concerns.”
Ms Sturgeon added that enforcement, both at university level and police level, was necessary but added a “sense of solidarity” should also exist to help com
“Overall, this is a comment that applies to university disciplinary procedures but also enforcement more generally, this is a moment to remind ourselves that we all have to do the right thing here for the good of the country and for the good of each other.
“I know young people don’t want to be putting themselves or others at risk so let’s all just take this as a moment to remind ourselves of that sense of solidarity that I think we all felt back in March and April and actually has served us well.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson added:
“While we appreciate that most students will want to act responsibly, we absolutely agree that if there are breaches of the rules appropriate disciplinary procedures, including due process, should apply.
“Clear guidance has been published that makes clear universities must make students and staff aware of Scottish law and public health advice to keep themselves and others safe.
“Everyone has been working extremely hard to ensure the safest possible environment for students and staff returning to campus and student accommodation, and we expect everyone to follow the rules.”