He’s A Jolly Good Fellow

Whistleblower and former UCU activist, lecturer Dr. Paul Booth, has been stripped of his Fellowship after posting derogatory comments about the university on Facebook.

Dr. Booth, who worked extensively in the Department of History, admitted to calling the university “bastards” regarding work carried out on listed buildings in Abercromby Square.  He also claimed the uni did not seek proper consent from the council for the renovation work carried out last year.

Dr. Booth, who was awarded a rare Honorary Senior Research Fellowship as a result of his published work, was contacted on August 6 2012, accussed of making “inappropriate and derogatory comments.”

The email from Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Andrew Derrington, told Booth his comments were in conflict with university’s Social Media Compliance Policy, which allows the uni to request the removal content if it affects the university’s reputation.

Dr. Paul Booth claims he is a victim of gross misjustice

Booth was warned that failure to do so within two weeks would lead to the university reviewing his Honorary status.

Booth replied, requesting to know which comments Derrington was referring to.  After receiving no reply, Booth was stripped of his Fellowship with immediate effect.

Booth claims he is a victim of gross misconduct, the decision also being branded unfair by fellow staff and students.

However, a university spokesperson supports the decision.

The spokesperson said: “Honorary appointments are unpaid and it is within the University’s gift to confer them on individuals and withdraw them if it considers it appropriate to do so.”

Booth stands by his right to criticise the university, although admits he should not have used such language.

Keele University have now awarded Dr. Booth the Honorary Senior Research Fellowship, where he is continuing his work on translating the Gascon Rolls.

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