Academics respond to SNP Minister’s attempt to silence respected Professor Senior academics have sent an open letter highlighting their concerns following SNP Minister, Shona Robisons attempt to silence a respected Professor who had spoken out in the referendum debate. Dear Sir, The debate about Scotland’s constitutional future is of such fundamental importance to the future of Scotland and the UK that everybody should be encouraged to take part. Regardless of a person’s views on whether we should remain in the UK or go our separate ways, nobody should fear speaking out. This is especially true of academics. We were concerned, therefore, to read reports of interference from a Scottish Government Minister in relation to Professor Chris Whatley. It is unacceptable for a Minister to question the integrity of an academic on the basis of his or her political views. It would be a very dangerous route to go down if the views of academics were required to be in conformity with the government of the day. Professor Whatley is a respected academic of many years standing who also happens to support Scotland remaining in the UK. The fact that he holds a particular opinion on the referendum does not in any way affect his abilities as an academic. The debate we have over the coming ten months must be respectful and honest. Above all it must be free and open to all. Yours, Emeritus Professor Susan Shaw, Former Deputy and Vice Principal of the University of Strathclyde Professor Hugh Pennington CBE, Emeritus Professor of Bacteriology at the University of Aberdeen Emeritus Professor Ronald J Roberts FRSE, University of Stirling
Posted on: Wed, 13 Nov 2013 10:23:55 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015