United Kingdom: Higher Education Academy Suspends Director of Research and Evaluation

Professor Lee Harvey has been suspended as Director of Research and Evaluation at the UK’s Higher Education Academy (HEA), after the publication of a letter in the Times Higher Education (THE). Lee Harvey’s letter, which he wrote in a personal capacity, criticised the National Student Survey (NSS)- an action deemed to be in breach of his contract.
Alert - United Kingdom

United Kingdom
Date: 30 Apr 2008
Source: Times Higher Education
Source classification: Media Article
Violation(s): Dismissal
The decision to suspend him was taken by HEA chief executive Paul Ramsden, who said that HEA clearance was necessary before such a publication. Professor Ramsden had previously been involved with the student experience survey in Australia, a program which came before the UK NSS. Professor Harvey described the NSS in his letter as a ‘hopelessly inadequate improvement tool,’ according to THE. Academics across the country have condemned the HEA’s handling of the case, which they say is a breach of academic freedom. The HEA was designed to promote evidence-based discussion and these current trends have left academics increasingly concerned that views critical of the government and its agencies are no longer regarded as acceptable. URGENT NEAR cannot continue without your support. NEAR depends on the generosity of people like you. To make a contribution, please: - Send us a cheque payable to NEAR - Or make a donation by visiting www.paypal.com. Please make your payments payable to: NEAR London South Bank University Technopark 90 London Road SE1 9LN, London, UK Email address: jonathan.travis@nearinternational.org -END-
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