University pledge on initiations

Ed Farmer NEWCASTLE University vowed to clamp down on initiation ceremonies and warned students involved in them could be expelled.

It says it has made changes to its systems and put new protocols in place since the death of Ed Farmer in December 2016.

Ed, a 20-year-old economics student at the university, died from excessive drinking at an initiation event in the city.

His dad Jeremy Farmer called for students involved in such ceremonies to be removed from university.

Now Universities UK, which represents institutions across the country, has started a working group to set out guidance for the sector on initiations and hazing.

The group, which is made up of researchers, student representatives, parents, university leaders and administrators, sports societies and international good practice, will refer to wider work on campus culture and alcohol.

And Newcastle is a major part of that group, with its vice-chancellor Professor Chris Day acting as chairman.

A university spokesperson said: “It is made very clear to all clubs and societies that initiations are banned by the university, and that such events constitute serious misconduct. Any student found to have organised an initiation event could be expelled under our disciplinary procedures.

“Following Ed’s death, we have made a number of changes to existing systems as well as putting new protocols in place.”