Response to the University’s Announcement on Saudi Arabia

An announcement in the recent LU Staff Newsletter states that the University has decided not to pursue a teaching presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  UCU members across the University have been at the forefront of highlighting the enormous risks around staff and student human rights with which we would have had to contend in the country.  For example the ongoing repression of women, criminalisation and execution of members of the LGBT+ community, and the outlawing of trades unions and collective bargaining. We have also drawn attention to more specific concerns around the maintenance of academic standards and the impossibility of maintaining academic freedom under such a repressive regime. 

We have collectively provided challenge in our union negotiating forums, in General Assemblies, in school, department and group meetings, in the face of what often felt like very anecdotal positions.  We have educated our colleagues and students on the issues, and built allyship across our campuses.  We are, therefore, delighted that the senior leadership of the University have come to this reasoned conclusion. We are also pleased about the potential to welcome more Saudi students to our campuses, and other opportunities we may have to make positive change while maintaining our core values.

A message we have heard from some colleagues over the last year, especially those not used to challenging management, is along the lines “I’m horrified about this, but what can you do?  It’s all been decided already, hasn’t it.”  This outcome shows that we were right to keep trying, to keep making the argument, to keep educating.  It demonstrates the value and strength of collective action in getting our voices heard.

Thank you to all who spoke up, and well done.

LUCU Committee