Dear supporters of the petition to reinstate Professor Jim Newell in his job at the University of Salford, this petition is now closed and I would like to thank you, yet again,
for your tremendous support. Following is a message to all of you from
Jim Newell.
Daniele Albertazzi
"Dear all
Though I have decided to cease seeking reinstatement with Salford, I
remain fully committed to campaigning against the marketisation of
Higher Education. When I joined academia in 1991, UK universities were
self-respecting institutions dedicated to teaching and research for
their own sakes; essentially decent employers; institutions which, yes,
were hierarchical as all institutions inevitably are, but which were
also run on the collegial lines befitting the academic calling. All that
has since largely gone as universities have come to be viewed as
businesses, often run by managers with no background in academia –
institutions governed with an eye almost exclusively on league tables,
institutions in which teaching and research appear to be valued only and
exclusively to the extent that they make money.
I know that I am by no means alone in refusing to accept that this is
a legitimate way to run universities and I look forward to contributing
to the growing tide of resistance to it among academic staff and
students.
Many thanks for all your tremendous support.
Jim Newell"
