Buckingham University has suspended its Vice-Chancellor, Professor James Tooley.
According to The Telegraph, the university's action relates to multiple personal and behavioral allegations against him.
Professor Tooley, known for his outspoken stance on free speech and his criticism of cancel culture, has faced a temporary suspension that has stirred significant controversy among the academic community and beyond. The Free Speech Union, members of the House of Lords, and university donors have suggested that the suspension may be politically motivated. They argue it is a response to his ideological views rather than any professional misconduct.
Amidst a contentious divorce, allegations from Professor Tooley’s wife have notably influenced the university's decision. His wife accused him of keeping a toy gun in his drawer— a claim the Free Speech Union has sharply criticized as irrelevant to his role.
The Free Speech Union expressed their discontent in a letter, stating, "These allegations appear to be vexatious in nature and relate to Prof Tooley’s behavior in the couple’s private life, e.g. that he keeps a toy gun in his bedside drawer." This contention underscores the complex layer of personal issues impacting the professional sphere.
The response from Buckingham University has been to ensure an independent review. "The University was informed of a number of serious allegations against our Vice-Chancellor," a university spokesperson stated. "To protect all parties involved, including the Vice-Chancellor himself, he was suspended following due process and legal advice to allow for an independent investigation."
Support for Professor Tooley has come from various quarters. Over 30 prominent figures, including members of the House of Lords and major donors, have voiced concerns over the fairness and motives behind the suspension.
These supporters include Lord Vinson, a foundational donor to the university, who has expressed his intention to get more actively involved in the university's governance to steer it back toward what he sees as its core values of free speech and fairness. "I think it's important that the board backs up the work of the Vice-Chancellor," Lord Vinson advocated. "James Tooley was doing a wonderful job in standing up for those who have aired their views on freedom of speech being important."
A close friend of Professor Tooley strongly condemned the university's actions, calling for immediate restitution and penal actions against those responsible:
He should never have been suspended. He should never have been unlawfully evicted from his home. The university should never have smeared his name, now more than once, in emails sent to all students and all staff. He should be reinstated immediately, and receive a full apology, and those behind this attempted coup should resign in disgrace.
The Free Speech Union and Professor Tooley’s supporters are labeling the situation as an "attempted coup" driven by ideological differences, demanding his immediate reinstatement and a formal apology.
An independent investigation by a leading King's Counsel is currently underway with additional oversight from external legal experts to ensure transparency and fairness. There are significant concerns from influential figures that the principles of innocence and justice are being compromised, risking not only Professor Tooley's reputation but also that of Buckingham University.
As the university awaits the results of the independent investigation, the broader academic community watches closely. The outcome could have lasting implications on how universities manage internal conflicts and allegations that intersect with broader political and cultural debates. Concerns about the impact on free speech and ideological diversity within academic institutions remain heightened.
In conclusion, the suspension of Professor James Tooley by Buckingham University has sparked a broad and fervent discourse about the interplay between personal allegations, academic leadership, and political ideologies. With an ongoing independent investigation, the academic and legal communities await a resolution that respects the principles of fairness and free speech.
